Aus2018.com

Football Federation Australia today confirmed that it had known for some time about a push for Europe to host the 2018 FIFA World Cup.

Chairman of FFA, Frank Lowy, reiterated  that Australia’s bid is for 2018 or for 2022. “If we come to the view that we have a better chance for 2022, than 2018, we will act accordingly,” Lowy said.

FFA CEO Ben Buckley is today on his way to attend the African Cup Of Nations finals and the CAF Congress to promote Australia’s bid. It is possible that the African vote will be crucial in deciding the 2018 and 2022 hosts

Following discussions with European Football head Michel Platini, FIFA President Sepp Blatter has indicated that the 2018 FIFA World Cup Finals are likely to be handed to a European nation.

Whilst no official statement has been released which eliminates the non-European bids, it has been claimed that restricting the 2018 contenders to European nations only will make the selection process easier for the FIFA Exuecutive Committee.

Such a move will be disappointing for nations which have spent millions of dollars of public money in an attempt to host the 2018 finals, only to be told that they are no longer eligible.

Football Federation Australia is yet to be formally advised that it will be restricted to bidding for the 2022 event and will be seeking clarification over the next few days.

Sepp Blatter has been known to tell people what they want to hear (remember his statement that Oceania would be given a full spot in the World Cup finals), only to backflip at a later date. Until a public announcement is made by FIFA, Australia needs to assume it is still bidding for both tournaments.

Completely off the Australian 2018/2022 FIFA World Cup topic however important enough for all Australians (football lovers or not) to care about.

The Australian Government is looking to introduce a compulsory filter for all internet users. An expensive exercise which is unlikely to be very effective.

The Government claims that the filter will only be used on certain 'blacklisted' sites however there is no way to predict what will be considered inappropriate (in the Government's opinion) in the future.

Find out how you can show your support here:

Prince William has thrown his support behind the England bid to host the 2018 2022 FIFA World Cup.

Whilst this is understandable given his role as President of the English Football Association and  senior member of the British royal family, it is a little disappointing considering he is also in line to be a future King of Australia.

Perhaps he should remain neutral in this selection process or publicly demonstrate support for Australia's bid. 

Another reason for Australia ditching the Monarchy and becoming a Republic?

Nicole Kidman features in a video shown to FIFA executives as part of Australia's bid to host the 2018 or 2022 FIFA World Cup.

Asia's growing football market along with Australia's multicultural society and history of hosting major sporting events successfully are all given as reasons that the tournament should come to Australia.