Lowy appointed to FIFA World Cup Committee

Football Federation Australia (FFA) Chairman Frank Lowy has been appointed to the FIFA World Cup Organising Committee.

Lowy will be directly involved in overseeing the 2010 World Cup in South Africa and will be in a strong position to lobby his fellow Committee members, who decide where each tournament will be held.

The FFA Chairman has been appointed to the World Cup Organising Committee for an initial term of four years.

“It is a privilege for me personally to be able to contribute to the organisation of the world’s biggest football tournament,” Mr Lowy said.

“But, more importantly, it is wonderful recognition of the growing credibility and reputation of Australia within the global football community.”

Mr Lowy said that the FIFA Congress held in Sydney in May also enhanced Australia’s reputation.

“We have had nothing but praise for the organisation and staging of the FIFA Congress from delegates from around the world.

“On the world sporting stage, there is no event with the same level of global appeal or audience reach as the FIFA World Cup, and there is no other sport which engages so many people from so many nations around the world facilitating a deeper level of engagement with individuals, businesses and nations.”

FIFA is expected to decide later this year when they will announce the hosts of the 2018 and 2022 World Cup tournaments, with the likelihood being that both will be announced in 2011.

Published on September 19, 2008