FFA welcomes cross-government support
Football Federation Australia (FFA) CEO, Ben Buckley, this evening welcomed the announcement by the Minister for Sport, Kate Ellis, on the appointment of "cross-government envoys" to assist the Commonwealth, State and Territory governments in their role with Australia's bid for the 2018-2022 FIFA World Cup.
Ellis named Geoff Dixon, former CEO of Qantas, and Ron Harvey, Vice President of the Australian Olympic Committee as envoys.
"This is an important step in achieving a whole-of-government approach that is essential for Australia to submit a technically compliant bid," said Buckley.
"A FIFA World Cup bid involves complex challenges for government around government guarantees, stadium infrastructure and the displacement of other sporting codes.
"The role of the envoys can fulfill a valuable role in reinforcing the unanimous commitment of Australian Governments to the bid, agreed by COAG in March last year."
Buckley said the three priorities must be addressed in time for the 11 December Bidding Agreement to be submitted to FIFA.
"We appreciate the efforts of the Federal Government to present a united approach with the States and Territories, and look forward to working with all governments and the envoys to submit the strongest possible bid."