Prime Minister Rudd meets FIFA president Blatter

Australia pushed its claims to host the 2018 or 2022 FIFA World Cup from the very top today when Prime Minister Kevin Rudd met with FIFA President Sepp Blatter.

In a private meeting that lasted more than an hour, Prime Minister Rudd outlined Australia's claims to host the greatest show on earth accompanied by Football Federation Australia (FFA) Chairman, Frank Lowy AC, as well as FFA CEO, Ben Buckley and FIFA CEO, Jerome Valcke.

Mr Lowy said the Australian delegation received a very warm reception from the FIFA President.

"President Blatter is already well aware of Australia's strong track record in hosting major events.

"But it was a very good opportunity for Mr Blatter to hear personally from the Prime Minister of the Government's support for the bid," Mr Lowy said.

"We also spoke of the importance of Asia for the future growth and development of football and Australia's place as part of the Asian Football Confederation."

“Asia is on the rise economically, in terms of goods and services as well as in football,” he said.

Mr Lowy urged all Australians to get behind the bid.

"This bid is for football but, above all else, it is for Australia."

FFA will be required to make a final presentation to FIFA, football’s world governing body, in December 2010 prior to a decision being made by the 24 man FIFA Executive Committee.

Individuals and organisations can join the bid by signing-up at www.australia2018-2022.com.au