Thorpe supports Australia's FIFA World Cup bid

Swimming Champion Announces Support for World Cup Bid

Australian swimming champion and avid football fan Ian Thorpe has announced his support for Australia's bid to host a FIFA World Cup™.

Thorpe caused ripples in all corners of the globe, from Sydney to Barcelona to Kuala Lumpur to Yokohama to Manchester to Athens, in events ranging from Olympics to Commonwealth Games to World Championships.

And while achieving phenomenal success in the pool, Thorpe always kept tabs on the round ball game and more recently Australia-s bid to host a FIFA World Cup™ on home soil.

“It would be huge for Australia as the whole country would be showcased to the rest of the world,-- said Ian Thorpe.

“Also, economically we would receive a great benefit.

“I think the Australian people have an idea after the success of the Sydney Olympics, but many would not realise what hosting a FIFA World Cup™ means to the entire nation. It would strengthen our position in key markets in our time zone and tourism would go through the roof.

“In 2018 or 2022 I really look forward to watching Australia win the FIFA World Cup™ in Australia,-- said Thorpe.

Thorpe will also have the opportunity to spruik Australia-s FIFA World Cup™ bid to UEFA President Michel Platini, when the pair address the eighth SportAccord Convention in Dubai tomorrow.

Platini is one of the 24-man FIFA Executive Committee, which will later this year decide the hosts of the 2018 and 2022 tournaments.