Socceroos star Tim Cahill has emerged as a surprise supporter of rival Qatar hosting the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
The Everton midfielder was in Zurich last December to witness Australia’s first-round elimination in voting before fellow bidders the United States, Japan and South Korea also bowed out.
Qatar won hosting rights despite a damning report citing the oppressive summer heat among the country’s several roadblocks, leaving many crying foul.
Allegations of corruption during the bidding process have since caused further uproar.
But Cahill, who was part of Australia’s $45 million failed bid, said the gulf nation was deserving of a chance to host the event.
“I was there for the bid and saw their presentation being made,” he told the Nine Network on Sunday.
“To be totally honest with you, it was the best presentation I saw and the most impressive.
“I’ve never seen anything like it.”
When asked if he wanted to go to the World Cup in Qatar he answered with an emphatic: “Yeah for sure”.
The 31-year-old also brushed off widespread criticism of Qatar’s ability to host the event, saying people are too quick to point out the negatives.
“They looked for so many faults in South Africa (hosts of the 2010 World Cup), everywhere they look for faults. But it’s all about chances,” he said.
“Qatar is one of the richest countries in the world and the thing is they will give every chance of making it happen.
“And if it means sticking air conditioning in every stadium and things like that, that’s what they’re going to have to do.”
Cahill, who has played in England since 1997 – firstly with Millwall before moving to Everton in 2004 – also had strong advice for the development of Australian football, saying talent must go abroad to benefit the sport domestically.
“We have got so much talent here and I feel if the kids can get out at a younger age and can be released to go and fulfill their talent then it’s the best thing for Australian football,” he said.
“The A-League is fantastic and it’s beautiful how it’s growing but I really truly believe that the reason why me or Harry (Kewell) or Schwarzy (Mark Schwarzer) or any sort of player, has stayed at the top level for such a long time is because we left.”
Cahill will miss Australia’s coming friendly matches with New Zealand and Serbia after an arduous Premier League campaign.
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