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Qatar snatches 2022 FIFA World Cup hosting

Australia lost its chance to host the 2022 World Cup after Qatar was chosen by FIFA in Zurich overnight.

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Australia lost its chance to host the 2022 World Cup after Qatar was chosen by the International Football Association Federation in Zurich overnight.

The Middle East country won the draw over the United States, Japan, South Korea & Australia.

The disappointment was shared by football fans who had gathered at sites around the country, including at Circular Quay where the Sydney Opera House was lit up like a football. They dispersed quickly after the decision had been broadcast.

Australia lobbied hard to win the right to become the host nation, with a bid led by Frank Lowy and featuring Governor-general Quentin Bryce, Paul Hogan, Elle MacPherson and even an animated kangaroo.

Les Murray said on SBS: “It is a surprise to me.”

There are rumours Australia was eliminated in the first round of voting.

Russia was announced as host nation for the 2018 tournament. It was chosen over England, Netherlands/ Belgium and Spain / Portugal.

Next January, Qatar will host the 2011 AFC Asian Cup (Asian Football Confederation) with the final fixture being held at Khalifa International Stadium.

The decision on the 2022 host nation was announced at around 2:45am AEDT.

31 Responses

  3. our bid was no good and the fact most people though interested had little passion for the bid showed even true football fans (like me) knew ut was an up hill battle. The new money of the east along with the untapped potential of these areas is currently more attractive to FIFA than traditional areas who need little help. Persistance and Australia will get the cup in 2026/2030

  4. Australia soccer is becoming a national played sport, AFL isnt the only popular sport, Soccer is popular in adelaide, melbourne and sydney alot of people love it even tho we arent the best at it. Its a shame we didnt win but i think Qatar will be good, with there state of the art stadiums.

  5. Everyone, there are a number of reasons why Australia’s bid failed but timezone is not one of them. The 2002 World Cup was hosted by Japan and S. Korea and was deemed a success. Their time zone is exactly half way between that of Perth and Sydney.

    The process is the same as with that for the Olympics. Bags of cash will always enhance your prospects, especially if it’s a brown paper bag left outside the hotel room door of selection committee members.

  6. If it is such a horrible and corrupt game, why are you all disappointed about not getting it?

    Why do you support such a horrible and corrupt game?

    I have no doubt that Qatar will put on a world class event, they have enough money for it anyway!!

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