Melbourne coach Merrick backs Australia for World Cup

Melbourne Victory coach Ernie Merrick believes Australia would make a great host for the World Cup.

As the debate rages from other codes in regards to Australia holding the 2018 or 2022 tournaments, Merrick is confident that eventually other parties will see the light and back the country’s bid to host the world’s biggest sporting event.

"The event itself, the World Cup, is the biggest sporting event in the world," Merrick said yesterday.

"Everybody will be onside when it counts. Australians love a sporting event.

"It's the biggest there is. We've hosted the Olympic Games and Commonwealth Games and all Australians will be on board when it comes to putting in a bid.”

At present, there is resistance from the Australian Football League as well as Etihad Stadium but Merrick said it will eventually be sorted out.

“There's some headline-grabbing stuff. It's a lot of needless talk,” he added.

"All I know is we will make a good bid and it would be an amazing event to host.

"There's no doubt there's a need for detail and mediation to occur and sports have to look after their own interests, but Australia would be a fantastic host."

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