FIFA boss delivers blow to Aust 2018 World Cup hopes

The most powerful man in world football has poured cold water on Australia’s ambitions to host the 2018 World Cup.

FIFA president Sepp Blatter indicated today the 2018 tournament would likely return to the northern hemisphere after two versions south of the equator – in South Africa in 2010 and Brazil in 2014.

Australian officials stuck to their guns, however, declaring it was full steam ahead for 2018.

“I don’t accept that we’re out of the race for 2018,” said Football Federation Australia (FFA) chief executive Ben Buckley.

“We understand there will be competition from countries within Europe.

It will be hotly contested, but our 100 per cent dedication and focus will be towards 2018.

“We believe we can put together a highly-credentialed bid forward for 2018, and that’s where our focus will be.”

Blatter urged nations including Australia to re-think their bids when he fielded media questions following FIFA’s two-day world congress in Sydney.

“We have South Africa in 2010 and Brazil in 2014. Australia is also in the southern hemisphere – is that not so?” he said.

“It would be a logical approach for the 2018 competition to go back (to the northern hemisphere).”

The FIFA boss noted the welter of contenders for 2018.

Apart from Australia, rival bids are expected from European powers England, Spain, Russia and a joint Dutch-Belgian effort, along with three more from Asia – China, Japan and Qatar – and two from North America – the US and Mexico.

“There are so many contenders,” said Blatter.

“When the bidding opens, everybody should bid for both.”

Blatter’s plan is for both the 2018 and 2022 World Cups to be awarded simultaneously in three years time, giving the two successful candidates maximum breathing space to plan their events.

FIFA statutes prevent the world’s premier tournament from being held twice in a row on the same continent.

This means that if England, say, was successful in bidding for 2018 then the other European hopefuls would automatically be ruled out for 2022.

That might make the running easier for Australia for the 2022 event, but there has been a strong push for 2018 following the Socceroos’ powerful performance in Germany in 2006, when they caused huge problems in a round of 16 match against eventual champions Italy.

Prime Minister Kevin Rudd talked up Australia’s credentials when he gave a keynote address at the FIFA congress opening ceremony at the Sydney Opera House on Thursday night.

FFA Chairman Frank Lowy did the same, and has been busy pressing the flesh this week with FIFA heavyweights.

Blatter said there was a move in Europe to agree on one candidate for 2018.

“They want to make sure there will be only one candidate in order to maintain their best chance,” he said.

“I have also heard that in the AFC (Asian Football Confederation) they would do the same.”

If that is the case, then Australia might be in for a diplomatic arm wrestle with China.

But Blatter added: “I have to repeat, it is a fundamental right of a national association to bid for any competition.”