Canberra A-League: It just makes sense.

The Herald Sun is reporting PriceWaterhouseCoopers are doing an intensive audit for the Australia's 2018 World Cup bid. Hey aren't they the guys doing the Canberra A-League bid:)

And the FFA/Fed Govt want every State Govt has to be on board by Xmas. Aren't the ACT Govt already supporting the Canberra bid.

And Canberra would be set for World Cup Stadium upgrade, (Not Wollongong!). And I'm sure I saw Neil Guthrie Canberra Stadium manager at the A-League bid Committee meeting on Monday. Herald Sun article below.
AUSTRALIA'S World Cup hosting plans are set to intensify as soccer chiefs try sign up every state government by the end of the year.

For months Football Federation Australia has been working with consultant PricewaterhouseCoopers on an intensive audit of the infrastructure needed to host a World Cup.

Having spent the past few weeks digesting that report, FFA chiefs will take its findings to the Federal Government in preparation for a charm offensive across the states, seeking commitments on funding and legislation required to underpin a bid.

It's understood the consultants' report not only itemises what facilities the country already has, and will need, for a World Cup but what return the states could expect to see if they invest in hosting the tournament.

One of the complications for an Australian bid is the process of getting every state government on board and building a bid document they will all support.

But to emphasise how much Prime Minister Kevin Rudd is behind a bid, it's believed Canberra will have a lead role in persuading the state governments to commit to the required investment and the controversial legislation to block off stadiums for weeks before and during a World Cup.

Despite the change of premier in New South Wales, sources who have had dealings with new premier Nathan Rees say he is a genuine soccer fan and likely to continue Maurice Iemma's support.

Since the FIFA Congress in Sydney in May, FFA has also been seeking clarification from FIFA about whether it will award both the 2018 and 2022 World Cups in three years' time - and if so, whether countries will be able to bid for both simultaneously or have to pitch for one only.

FFA chairman Frank Lowy remains adamant that 2018 is the goal, but many observers say Australia's chances would be hugely boosted if the hosts for both 2018 and 2022 were chosen from the same pool.

That way FIFA could opt for an established and a "developmental" host simultaneously.

It's believed FIFA may make a decision on the process in November.

Like all bidders, Australia would require at least 10 stadiums with a capacity of at least 40,000, though a number of those are already in place.

It's believed those listed in the consultants' report for consideration include Sydney Football Stadium, ANZ Stadium and Newcastle's EnergyAustralia Stadium in NSW; the MCG and Telstra Dome in Melbourne; plus Adelaide's AAMI Stadium, the new venue in Perth and Brisbane's Suncorp Stadium.

Others that have been listed as suitable for upgrading include Canberra Stadium, Skilled Park on the Gold Coast and possibly a venue in Townsville.