Cup-bid plan to include Geelong
The Age
Tuesday March 2, 2010
AUSTRALIA'S bid for the soccer World Cup should ignore Etihad Stadium and instead take matches to a freshly expanded stadium in Geelong, according to the Victorian government.After months of controversy over the availability of venues for Australia's 2018 and 2022 World Cup bids, the state government has called for Geelong's Skilled Stadium to be renovated to international standards and expanded to hold 44,000 spectators.The proposal, which does not come with a promise of funding from the government, would have Skilled Stadium complement the MCG in hosting World Cup matches in Victoria, leaving Etihad Stadium to host AFL matches.The World Cup is always held during June and July, meaning the Australian bid must juggle clashes with AFL and rugby codes for use of venues such as Etihad Stadium.Etihad Stadium chief Ian Collins could not be contacted yesterday, but last month he said his stadium would honour its agreement with the AFL rather than pursue the World Cup.Soccer's governing body FIFA requires all World Cup stadiums to hold at least 44,000 spectators, meaning that significant funds would be needed to upgrade Skilled Stadium, which now holds 30,000 people.Australian soccer chiefs will consider the Victorian government submission among others when finalising their bid later this year, but Premier John Brumby said there were strong arguments for Geelong."Geelong boasts transport, accommodation and links to world-class tourist destinations like the Great Ocean Road, making it an ideal location for a World Cup event," he said.The move could also have political benefits for the government, which holds several relatively tight seats around Geelong.Geelong Football Club chief executive Brian Cook said the proposal was exciting for the city, even if it meant the club could be forced off its home ground for a season during construction.
© 2010 The Age
