SYDNEY
Friday, 23 July

Australia welcomes a delegation of FIFA inspectors next week as the bid to bring the greatest show on earth, the FIFA World CupT, to Australia in 2022 gains momentum.

FIFA have commenced a two-month tour, inspecting the nine countries who are bidding to host the 2018 or 2022 FIFA World CupT tournaments.

The delegation of FIFA inspectors are responsible for conducting the technical evaluation of the bids and will visit Japan (19 – 22 July), South Korea (22 – 25 July), Australia (26 – 28 July), Netherlands and Belgium (9 – 12 August), Russia (16 – 19 August), England (23 – 26 August), Spain and Portugal (30 August – 2 September), United States (6 – 9 September) and Qatar (13 – 17 September).

The FIFA inspection team consists of six delegates and is led by Chilean Football Federation President, Harold Mayne-Nicholls.

The team will be escorted by FFA to inspect a selection of stadiums, hotels, training grounds and other infrastructure included in Australia’s Bid to host the 2022 FIFA World CupT.

At the end of the inspection tour, the delegation will submit an objective report to assist FIFA’s 24 executive members select a host for the 2022 FIFA World CupT, which will be announced by FIFA on 2 December 2010 in Zurich.

“We are totally focused on bringing the FIFA World CupT to Australia in 2022,” said FFA Chairman, Frank Lowy.

“It is a dream, an ambition and an aspiration shared by all Australians. The inspection tour of Australia provides an opportunity to showcase our first class infrastructure and share details of our proposal for a uniquely Australian 2022 FIFA World CupT with FIFA directly.

“It is an important milestone in the bidding process and we need to ensure the inspectors can make the most of their short time here and see as much as possible without distractions.”

Australia’s bid also has complete bipartisan support.

Ten host cities have been selected as part of the Bid under Australia’s nationwide hosting proposal that will see FIFA World CupT matches in six states and territories. Three new stadiums will be built in Perth, Canberra and Blacktown in Western Sydney and nine others upgraded should the Bid be successful, providing a $2.8 billion infrastructure legacy for all sporting codes and generations to come.

All Australians can do their part to help bring the FIFA World CupT to Australia – add your name at australiabid.com.au