POSTED: Saturday November 28th 2009
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Prime Minister meets FIFA Executive Committee member

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

SYDNEY - Football Federation
Australia (FFA) today confirmed that the Prime Minister of Australia, Kevin
Rudd, met with FIFA Vice-President, Mr Jack Warner.
 

“The Prime Minister
took time out of his busy schedule at the Commonwealth Heads of Government
Meeting in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago, to meet with Jack Warner,” said
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.

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Keywords · FIFA World Cup · Kevin Rudd · Football Federation Australia

Name: Bonita Mersiades
Organization: FFA Football Federation Australia
Email:
Phone: +61 2 8354 5544
URL: http://www.footballaustralia.com.au/default.aspx?s=home

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