Confederations Cup still an option for Australia, says SA chief (01.07.2002)
SYDNEY
Australia is considering bidding to stage next year`s Confederations Cup with the hope of cashing in on the high interest generated from the World Cup, Soccer Australia said on Monday.
Despite being beset by financial woes, acting SA chief executive Greg Bates said on Monday the association would look at putting together a proposal after world governing body FIFA confirmed it would still consider Australia as a host.
"It`s not one of the priorities right now but we`d like the opportunity (to do it)," Bates said.
"There`s a lot of interest in the code at the moment because of the World Cup, but regrettably in this country we`ve been poorly organised and we need to walk first.
"But I think we could put together a serious proposal
bythe due date."
FIFA is expected to make a decision on the host late in September.
Australia would earn automatic entry should it host the event but will look to qualify as winner of the Oceania Nations Cup which starts in Auckland, New Zealand, this week.
The Socceroos are grouped with Vanuatu, Fiji, New Caledonia and open their Oceania Nations Cup campaign against Vanuatu in Auckland on Saturday.
New Zealand head the other pool which includes Tahiti, Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands.
New Zealand and Fiji are expected to give Australia the strongest opposition with Australian coach Frank Farina declaring the well-prepared Kiwis the tournament favourites.
The winner of the tournament goes on to play in the Confederations Cup next year.
