NSW to become 'home for the Socceroos'

Football Federation Australia and the NSW Government today announced a four year, multi-million dollar deal that will see NSW host a series of major international football matches and become a “genuine home for the Socceroos.”

Football Federation Australia and the NSW Government today announced a four year, multi-million dollar deal that will see NSW host a series of major international football matches and become a “genuine home for the Socceroos.”

The landmark agreement will see two major international matches featuring the Socceroos coming to NSW each year of the deal, starting with Australia-s first ever home Asian Cup Qualifier, against Kuwait, at Aussie Stadium on August 16.

The agreement schedule includes:

* 2006 - AFC Asian Cup Qualifying matches at Aussie Stadium against Kuwait (August 16) and Bahrain (October 11); * 2007 - a Powerade Cup international and one other major international; * 2008 - a preliminary FIFA World Cup Qualifier and a further Powerade Cup international; and * 2009 - a Powerade Cup international and the final round FIFA World Cup Qualifier (subject to satisfactory terms being reached with venues, and the Socceroos qualifying through the preliminary rounds in 2008).

NSW Premier, Morris Iemma said the agreement guaranteed NSW fans world class international Football involving the Socceroos for at least the next four years.

“The unforgettable atmosphere at the Socceroos- World Cup Qualifier last November was a terrific boost for Football in NSW and a great reward for loyal players and fans,” he said.

“This deal to secure NSW as the home of the Socceroos until at least the next World Cup, on the eve of the team-s departure for Germany, is more great news for the growing band of Football supporters in NSW.

“Our track record in hosting major events is second to none - from the 2000 Olympics, to the 2003 Rugby World Cup and last November-s World Cup Qualifier.

“The big international matches this deal brings will enhance that reputation further, and provide an opportunity to showcase the best of NSW to large audiences nationally, throughout Asia and around the world.”

John O-Neill, CEO of Football Federation Australia said the new agreement with NSW was a “major step in the continuing renaissance of Football in Australia. NSW has the largest Football participant base in the country with more than 225,000 registered players”, he said.

“It is wonderful to be able to guarantee all those participants and fans that they will be able to see the Socceroos here in their own back yard in major internationals every year.”

“With our first Asian Cup Qualifying matches coming to Sydney so soon after the World Cup, we expect those fans will come out in droves to support the team as they look to qualify for the Asian Cup for the very first time.”

“The Asian Cup is a truly enormous event - highly significant in world Football - and Australia have a real chance of winning it if we can qualify this year,” he added.

“It will be great for the team to be able to count on the sort of home ground advantage that they experienced last November against Uruguay.”

NSW Minister for Tourism and Sport and Recreation, Sandra Nori, congratulated all of the parties involved in securing the deal, including Football Federation Australia and the NSW Major Events Board

"These matches are guaranteed to attract tens of thousands more visitors to Sydney each year, generating great exposure for the city and another valuable source of tourism revenue.”