Australia celebrate their win over Uzbekistan in their World Cup Asian Qualifying match in Sydney, Wednesday, April 1, 2009. Australia defeated Uzbekistan 2-0. (AAP Image/Dean Lewins)
If the FIFA World Cup comes to Australia during 2018 or 2022, the four football codes could be in for a big dispute, with each other, with FIFA and with the government.
As with every controversy, not everyone comes out pleased.
But here could be a possible solution to keep a few parties happy during the World Cup.
The 12 Stadiums that could probably be used for the FIFA World Cup are:
– Adelaide Oval
– ANZ Stadium
– Canberra Stadium
– Cararra Stadium (Gold Coast)
– Central Cost Stadium (Gosford)
– Dairy Farmers Stadium
– Energy Australia Stadium
– Melbourne Cricket Ground
– Melbourne Rectangular Stadium
– New Perth Stadium
– Suncorp Stadium
– Sydney Football Stadium
Of course, for the FIFA World Cup, all the venues would need to be upgraded. Every one of them. A very severe upgrade, as well.
You will notice Ethiad Stadium has been left out. This is due to the AFL desperately needing a fairly big venue to play at.
FIFA regulations are very strict. They do not allow for the stadiums to be used during the World Cup. Melbourne would need to sacrifice that stadium to please the AFL loving population, which crowds the Melbourne area.
Midweek games during the NRL, AFL, Super 15, would all have to be explored to ensure that the major stadiums are being shared. Who knows? The 500,000 plus people who come to visit Australia might decide to check a game or two out during the week.
NRL teams in NSW will have to revert to other venues.
The SCG is a certainty, Sydney Showgrounds is an alternative venue, Belmore Stadium, Concord Oval … These stadiums too would have to undergo an upgrade to ensure that the needs of the fans are met.
For example, temporary seating, and more staff on hand to scan the tickers, and temporary food and drink outlets. As well as lighting.
It is not ideal, but it is how it needs to be done for about eight weeks.
NRL teams in Queensland will be allowed a slightly better deal.
North QLD Cowboys could play at a re-developed Stockland Park at the Sunshine Coast for a few matches. This would need to be developed into a stadium to cater for about 20,000. This upgrade is already on the cards for the next ten years.
Gold Coast Titans would not be affected in all of this, because Skilled Park would not be used for the World Cup. The Brisbane Broncos have really three alternatives: that is to play their games at QSAC (former ANZ Stadium) or to play games at Ballymore or possibly the Gabba.
For AFL, Ethiad Stadium would need to be made available, as well as taking the game to places like Geelong (Skilled Stadium). A lot of games would have to be held at Docklands.
If FIFA were to take Ethiad, the AFL would be very hard to go ahead.
The new Super 15 competition is set to be going until July.
This competition couldn’t be shortened due to the Rugby World Cup the next year and its International status. Games in Melbourne, NSW, Queensland, and possibly ACT would be affected by this quite severely.
If the MRS was to be selected, there would be very big problems.
Melbourne have no real alternatives, as Ethiad would be solely based for AFL games as they desperately need the ground.
Melbourne has no other stadium that would cater for the Rebels.
Sydney Football Stadium could not be used, so one would think the possibility of Concord Oval or the SCG would be explored. Concord is ideal for rugby, but lacks the facilities, while the SCG is round in shape and doesn’t provide the best view for the fans.
Queensland has Ballymore, but the stadium is dying a slow death, thanks to the Queensland Government.
An immediate upgrade to cater for this would certainly be needed as the Broncos could possibly play there as well as the Reds.
It is only about a ten minute drive away from Suncorp Stadium.
The stadium would probably need about 15,000 seats or even the more if they wanted to have the possibility of hosting a State of Origin match.
If Canberra were to receive hosting status, Manuka Oval would be explored. However, it is far from being fit to host a Super 15 rugby game.
Viking Oval would also be an option, with temporary seating, and lighting a priority.
State of Origin would have to explore a few options: delaying it a few weeks to go for the traditional rotating system of one game in Sydney, and one in Brisbane. Move one game overseas to say New Zealand, one game in Melbourne at Eithiad, and one game in Brisbane or Sydney.
Sydney and Brisbane missing out on a game is rubbish, I agree.
But with SFS, and ANZ Stadium, and Suncorp being only available to the World Cup, only it makes it incredibly difficult to fit the schedule.
The Gabba could potentially hold it, but its lack of capacity and its oval shape makes it difficult.
The Wallabies mid-year tests which are played annually would have to be moved overseas. You could not, for example, play a team like France at Skilled Park. It couldn’t be given the go ahead, because so much more money is to be made overseas for that game.
I think what the FFA needs to acknowledge, as well as the Government, is that they cannot put our sporting codes out of business for the eight weeks while the FIFA World Cup is occurring.
Answers need to be sought immediately, because a lot of codes could be left out to dry while the FFA becomes premier.
Michael C
Roar Guru
this isn't the AFL or NRL field of expertise - dealing with FIFA, and it's not the AFL or NRL show to run - a FIFA WC, so, when soccer expert journo's start running stories that the AFL and NRL will be shut down, will lose training venues and the like - then, how is it a furphy by the AFL/NRL to show concern that the FFA was unable to answer one way or another and was hatching secret plans clearly well beyond what had been communicated/agreed. Tell us where the furphy's lie?? if the best that Lowy can offer is effectively this 'no worries' line - - that ain't enough. That effectively requires AFL and NRL to sign blank cheques. The AFL and NRL gave their qualified support back in Oct/Nov 2008. The FFA has abused it 12 months later. And the Fed Govt has stepped in to avoid the FFA making more of a laughing stock of Australia than they already have.
Dogz R Barkn
Roar Guru
For Lowy to say "there is plenty of time to sort out grounds after we win the bid" is quite disrespectful of both the NRL and the AFL. Under those sorts of circumstances, they have every right to protect their commercial interests. In fact, there is a story doing the rounds in various forums that Mersiades got the can, at the Government's request, for precisely that sort of attitude. All current indications are that no Commonwealth or State Government will do anything that is detrimental to the well being of the NRL and the AFL.
Punter
Guest
Like I said before, it's all a furphy by the AFL CEO & lesser extent the NRL to gain attention, especially thinking this was right after the 2010 WC draw when they started their 'what about me' cry especially in Melbourne. As Lowy said there is plenty of time to sort out the grounds after we win the bid.
Michael C
Roar Guru
Oh yeah - certainly, I'd assume that it's presented using the 'local' names to make it look less FIFA dictated and more as if the local lads actually had a say!!! It'd be a rubbery precedent for Australia you'd imagine. And, apart from anything else - the AFL and NRL won't be waiting around to 6 months before the tournament kicks off. The thing that get's me is the bias in the SBS report : "The Australian Football League and National Rugby League hit the panic button last year amid fears their respective competitions could be shut down for up to six months during a World Cup potentially held in Australia." ahem - they were reacting to the promise by Fairfax soccer media that AFL and NRL would be shut down for at least 4 weeks and shut out of stadia for 6-8 weeks. The 6 months was one worst case scenario re the MCG that - again - Buckley simply tried to distance himself from but was unable to rule out. "Demetriou claimed FFA had not communicated requirements and possible restrictions on stadia used by AFL teams during a season." hmmm - 'claimed',....as if implying that Demetriou's version is fabricated? The FFA and Buckley have admitted that they don't know, how ever, for the FFA to suddenly go public claiming Docklands and to have a secret plan for reconfig of the MCG - - I'd say the AFL has a pretty solid 'claim', and the beauty to finish off with : ""It would probably mean we would have to cancel the season," Demetriou said of Australia hosting a World Cup." Um......only of the worst case scenario around the MCG reconfig plan - - NOT of 'hosting the World Cup' per se. Or - do the SBS mob seriously still not understand the AFL issues?? I feel sorry for soccer people who rely solely on soccer media for their view of the world.
Dogz R Barkn
Roar Guru
The real point remains the same one: do we have sufficient stadiums? Do we even have sufficient host cities?? Will the AFL allow the FFA to take Etihad for 9 to 10 weeks in the middle of their season? Will all the NRL clubs be happy to lose their stadiums as training venues for a large chunk of their season? Whether a rugby game is played in SA on the 2nd day of the WC is neither here or there to be honest. The Government taskforce gave themselves till the end of February to nut out deals with all the State/Territory Governments and the NRL/AFL. We really haven't heard too much on that front - it's very difficult to see how they could possibly do it in less than four weeks.
AndyS
Guest
I would have said that, if FIFA is going to allow the major competing football code in SA to play a NH/SH international match, they are not likely to be at all concerned about any AFL/NRL/S15 match. Which frankly, is as it should be.
Towser
Guest
Could be,but I doubt it knowing the iron fist of FIFA. We only know a fraction of the story behind the scenes IMO. I doubt though that Ben Buckley could do anything without first getting the approval of FIFA. Same as Danny Jordan In South Africa regarding the RU match . Also there is still negotiations going on in South Africa regarding the Super 14 finals. That is if a SA team makes them. http://www.iol.co.za/index.php?set_id=6&click_id=18&art_id=nw20100202193128385C500117
Michael C
Roar Guru
INteresting that the SBS article and quoted article speak of the deal struck between the SRU and the "FIFA World Cup Local Organising Committee Chief Executive Danny Jordaan", so, does this mean the local WCOC has the authority to do this? In which case can Ben Buckley just come out up front and state that there will be no host city exclusions?? btw - let's not get too carried away over a single match as compared to regular full rounds or split rounds of BOTH the AFL and NRL and any other RU matches.
Jay
Guest
SA mainly has one other winter code, Aus there are 3. nrl and afl would demand a large sum of compensation during this time - who is going to pick the bill? probably the government, while the ffa would be left with a financial windfall for hosting the cup. sounds far from equitable.
Towser
Guest
Interesting development in South Africa regarding playing other sports during the World Cup. http://theworldgame.sbs.com.au/2010-world-cup/rugby-crashes-wc-party-286252
circus
Guest
Jim Wilson Can you (or the Cairns Post) tell me how many international visitors came to Australia in 2008 to attend the Rugby League World Cup?
Footbal Person
Guest
Povo ?
Footbal Person
Guest
If we don't get the cup im blaming him and building the effigy. :)
Michael C
Guest
A good effort - but, you've allocated Docklands to FFA - - such that where do Collingwood, Hawthorn, Carlton, Richmond, Essendon play??? Or are we going to get Kardinia park increased to 60,000 capacity??
Michael C
Guest
MV Dave - and haven't some of us from the outset pointed out that if FIFA and by extension the FFA are completely intractable - then, no deal. There MUST be some concession. And to expect otherwise is naive or expectant of political/legislative railroading on a scale not seen other than during time of war!!!! btw - don't forget - the 'fear' and 'misinformation' started in Fairfax from soccer journo's back in October. So, you can't blame the ignorant NRL and AFL media for believing people like Michael Cockerill and Michael Lynch.
Jim Wilson
Guest
Year International Visitors to Australia 2000 (Olympic Games) 4.93 million 2001 4.85 million 2002 4.84 million 2003 4.74 million 2004 5.2 million 2005 5.5 million 2006 5.5 million 2007 5.7 million 2008 5.6 million 2009 5.6 million http://www.tourism.australia.com/Research.asp?sub=0318&al=3134
AndyS
Guest
Point understood Dave and I'd agree that it may be some sort of indicator, but at the same time I notice that, as of ~1:45pm EDST, the ARU poll "Which Australian Super 14 team will be the side to beat in 2010?" has the Force running at 65% and the Brumbies at 8%. You only have to compare that with the betting odds (reflecting where the money is actually being placed) and you can see just how removed from reality some of these polls can get.
Michael C
Roar Guru
Too often what people do is compare Month X of year of event to Month X of previous year and claim economic benefit, but, fail to look at the year in total. Similarly, re an Olympics - so much economic activity is scheduled in the lead up, there's a time line - all these nice things are done........and then, bang - - all over and GDP slump occurs. I'm putting together an article on this at the moment - but, it's a case of there's so much out there to not over do it!!!!! I reckon though you'd agree that it's a topic well worth exploring in greater detail. Basically - 'sports tourism' - which has implications across soccer, rugby, cricket, Olympics etc.
Jim Wilson
Guest
NOVEMBER 2003 HIGHLIGHTS Supporting Documents Visitors by market Western hemisphere visitors by market Eastern hemisphere visitors by market Change in visitors by market There were 4.2 million visitor arrivals to Australia during the eleven months to November 2003, a decrease of 3 per cent relative to the same period of the previous year. There were 4.7 million visitor arrivals during the year ended 30 November 2003, a decrease of 2 per cent relative to the previous year. There were 473,300 visitor arrivals during November 2003, an increase of 8 per cent relative to the same month of the previous year. Key trends by market are outlined below: New Zealand There were 77,700 visitors from New Zealand during November 2003 bringing the total for the eleven months to November 2003 to 756,600 an increase of 5 per cent relative to the same period of the previous year. Europe There were 74,300 visitors from the United Kingdom during November 2003 bringing the total for the eleven months to November 2003 to 566,600, an increase of 5 per cent relative to the same period of the previous year. There were 12,800 visitors from Germany during November 2003 bringing the total for the eleven months to November 2003 to 122,300, unchanged relative to the same period of the previous year. The Americas There were 37,000 visitors from the United States of America during November 2003 bringing the total for the eleven months to November 2003 to 379,500, a decrease of 4 per cent relative to the same period of the previous year. There were 9,400 visitors from Canada during November 2003 bringing the total for the eleven months to November 2003 to 77,300, a decrease of 4 per cent relative to the same period of the previous year. Southeast Asia There were 28,300 visitors from Singapore during November 2003 bringing the total for the eleven months to November 2003 to 217,000, a decrease of 13 per cent relative to the same period of the previous year. Northeast Asia There were 63,300 visitors from Japan during November 2003 bringing the total for the eleven months to November 2003 to 554,800, a decrease of 14 per cent relative to the same period of the previous year. There were 22,500 visitors from Korea during November 2003 bringing the total for the eleven months to November 2003 to 189,100, an increase of 11 per cent relative to the same period of the previous year. There were 19,800 visitors from China during November 2003 bringing the total for the eleven months to November 2003 to 154,100, a decrease of 10 per cent relative to the same period of the previous year. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics, Overseas Arrivals and Departures, 3401.0. ABS data used with permission from the Australian Bureau of Statistics.
Jim Wilson
Guest
More: http://edition.cnn.com/2003/SPORT/10/01/rugby.wcup.travel/ ...The Australian Rugby Union originally expected around 55,000 international visitors to six-week the event. But that number has been downgraded to about 40,000 with most of these -- some 17,500 -- from Britain and Europe. New Zealand and the Pacific nations account for another 10,000 visitors. African nations, particularly South Africa, should provide another 7,000 supporters. A combination of high accommodation and ticket prices, security fears and the SARS outbreak in Asia earlier this year may all have had an impact on visitor numbers for the tournament. Even worse, some tourism operators are saying thousands of non-rugby tourists have deferred or cancelled planned visits to Australia because of inflated hotel prices and reduced choice caused by the Cup influx. "www.industry.gov.au/.../FinalEconomicImpactOfRWC2003_ 20040604150504.pdf?CFID=37464&CFTOKEN=87738019 - Overseas Visitors to Australia: 2000-2003 24 Year International Visitors to Australia 2000 (Olympic Games) 4.93 million 2001 4.85 million 2002 4.84 million 2003 4.74 million