Prime Minister Meets Fifa Executive Committee Member

Prime Minister Meets Jack Warner


The Prime Minister of Australia, Kevin Rudd, met with FIFA Vice-President, Mr Jack Warner, in Port of Spain today.

"The Prime Minister took time out of his busy schedule at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Trinidad and Tobago to meet with Jack Warner," said Football Federation Australia (FFA) CEO, Ben Buckley.

"This follows on from the Prime Minister's visit to Zurich in July in which he met with the President of FIFA, Joseph S Blatter, in support of Australia's bid for the 2018-2022 FIFA World Cup.

"We understand the Prime Minister and Mr Warner discussed the value of sport in community development, and the growing popularity of football in Australia."

Buckley said that the Prime Minister's commitment in meeting with leading FIFA Executive members is a boost for Australia's bid.

"The feedback we've received suggests that FIFA Executive members greatly appreciate the Prime Minister's time and effort in meeting with them, and in assuring them of his strong personal commitment for the bid."

Buckley said that it is understood the Prime Minister and Warner discussed Australia's bid, with the Prime Minister outlining the strength of the bid and the Australian Government's support for it.

"The Prime Minister also referred to the growth of the game in the Asian region and how an Australian-hosted FIFA World Cup would help promote and consolidate the game in Asia."

Two weeks ago, Jack Warner said in Nigeria that Australia "truly deserves" to host the FIFA World Cup.

"Australia created the best ever Olympics and demonstrated an ability to host and manage some of the biggest sporting events in the world with class, expertise and with a dedication to excellence," Mr Warner said.
Buckley added that the Prime Minister and Mr Warner agreed to keep in contact throughout the bid process.

Buckley departs for Cape Town on Sunday in what is a big week for football in Australia.

"Not only is there the Draw for the 2010 FIFA World Cup at the end of the week, but it's the first of only three official opportunities for bidding nations for 2018 and 2022 to present their credentials to the FIFA Executive, the international football community and international media," said Buckley.

He added that Australia had prepared a credentials book and film which told a compelling story of Australia's strengths and included some Australian star power.

Further information: Bonita Mersiades, FFA, +61 2 8020 4040 or +61 416 071 000

SOURCE: Football Federation Australia