FIFA delegates touched down in Sydney yesterday to hear out Australia’s bid to host the 2022 World Cup.
The six-strong FIFA inspection team are on a three-day visit to examine facilities and infrastructure ahead of the naming of hosts for the 2018 and 2022 tournaments in December.
The inspection team was welcomed with a traditional Aboriginal smoking ceremony at the Sydney Opera house.
The delegates were also taken on an inspection of ANZ Stadium in the company of two of Australia’s sporting greats.
Cathy Freeman and John Aloisi were brought in to meet visiting FIFA representatives and share stories of their respective sporting triumphs, both achieved at the ANZ Stadium.
Freeman, who won the 400 metres event at the 2000 Olympics, said: “We have such a strong sporting culture in Australia and the support I got that night was amazing.”
”I could feel them willing me on and I just rode the wave. We have a great record in holding major events and if we get a FIFA World Cup we would do a great job.”
Aloisi, who scored the penalty that sent the Socceroos to the 2006 World Cup, said: “Football has come a long way in this country.”
Australia is competing with the US, Qatar, South Korea and Japan for the 2022 tournament.
