Australia ditches 2018 bid, focuses on 2022

Australia has withdrawn from the race to stage the football World Cup in 2018, and will focus instead on bidding to host the 2022 edition.
Australiaâs withdrawl comes after the Asian Football Confederation (of which it is a member) announced earlier this week that it was in favour of a Europe-based World Cup in 2018.
FIFA Secretary General Jerome Valcke welcomed Australia's withdrawal, saying it fitted with the growing movement for the 2018 event to be held in Europe.
The USA is the only non-European nation now remaining in the bidding to host the 2018 event.
In a statement Valcke explained âthe FFA have displayed an exemplary level of solidarity with Europe and the European bidding nations, and were among the very first to enter into an open and constructive dialogue with me after it became apparent that there was a growing movement to stage the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Europe."
Valcke said Australiaâs decision was âa welcome gesture that is much appreciated by FIFAâs leadership and executive committee.�?
As of today, the Football Association of Indonesia (PSSI) has supported of Australiaâs bid to host the FIFA World Cup in 2022.
The backing is a significant show of friendship and support between the PSSI and Football Federation Australia (FFA), Indonesia having once been a bidder to host either the 2018 or 2022 tournaments.
The backing of a key player within the Asian Football Confederation, and also the fourth largest country by population, is a major boost for Australiaâs bid.
The PSSI and FFA signed a landmark agreement earlier this year. Under the five-year deal, FFA will assist the PSSI in the development of coaches, players, referees, grassroots football and womenâs football and host training visits for Indonesian players, coaches and officials.
A key part of the agreement will see the PSSI assist the FFA to fully integrate into South East Asian football and the ASEAN Football Federation and provide competition for Australian teams at a range of age levels and formats.