Aussies to step up 2018 World Cup bid

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.

Football Federation Australia (FFA) chairman Lowy said he was still hopeful despite the fact Europe is virtually assured of getting hosting rights after the abandonment of FIFA’s rotation policy – with England determined to secure the tournament.