Magazine - MCG our Jewel in Cup Bid

By Editor in Football on 18th May 2010 13:00

MCG could host the opening match of the World Cup or the final, with an upgraded Skilled Stadium in Geelong staging opening group games, a round-of-16 fixture and perhaps a quarter-final should Australia win the right to host the tournament in 2018 or 2022.

Football Federation Australia's bid book, submitted to FIFA headquarters in Zurich, Switzerland, yesterday, flagged the possibility that the jewel in Victoria's stadium crown, one of the sporting world's best-known sites, could stage the biggest one-off event in sport. Four bidders from Europe, four from the Asian confederation plus the United States presented their comprehensive plans which had to include government guarantees, contracts with each city and venue, and details of finance and insurance cover.

FIFA officials will now carry out technical inspections of each candidate between July and September.

According to Australia's bid book, the MCG was capable of hosting the opening match and fixtures through the group stage and all the knock-out phases right through to the final. Its 95,000 capacity, plus Melbourne's long-proven ability to stage and draw crowds for major events, would make it a logical choice for either the opening or closing fixture of the World Cup.

The only other venue capable of putting on a similarly large suite of fixtures is Stadium Australia, the Homebush arena that was the centrepiece of the Sydney 2000 Olympics.

Etihad Stadium, the modern all-purpose venue with a roof that has become such an important part of Melbourne's stadium mix, is not part of the bid book because it will be used by the AFL to host matches while its season continues during the World Cup.

The new rectangular stadium, now known as AAMI Park, is not included either. Its 31,000 capacity makes it too small.

However Sydney fans would almost certainly get access to far more games than Melbourne supporters as three of the venues in the bid book - Stadium Australia, an upgraded Sydney Football Stadium and a new arena in Blacktown - are in the NSW capital. Sydneysiders would also be able to access venues in Newcastle and Canberra which are also included in the bid book.

Lowy described the bid presentation as ''an exciting milestone in Australia's history''.

Australia's best chance would appear to be in 2022, where it and the US are regarded as the more favoured candidates.

Source & More: www.theage.com.au

Read more articles in Football, by Editor or from May 2010.