Australian football supremo Frank Lowy is determined to press ahead with a bid to host the 2018 World Cup despite FIFA president Sepp Blatter suggesting the country would be better served bidding for the 2022 tournament.

The manufacturer and dealer of the rifle used in the Washington sniper shootings have agreed to pay around €2.2m in a settlement with victims’ families.

Mark Viduka has pledged his future commitment to Australia and is determined to lead his country into the next World Cup finals.