If successful, the Australian former player (pictured top), who is also the Asian Football Confederation's (AFC) mandatory female vice-president, would not only be the first woman elected to the Executive Committee of FIFA, but also the first Australian to join to the top table at world football's governing body.

Gillard declared her support for Dodd, saying she is "responsible for much of the success and progress that football has gained in Australia - both on and off the pitch".

"I am delighted to provide an endorsement, on behalf of the Australian Government, for your nomination to the FIFA Executive Committee," the Prime Minister said.

"Football unites people all over the world and Australia is no exception.

"To be elected to this role would be a great honour for you personally, but also for the many millions of football players and fans across Australia, Asia and the world, particularly among women."


Lundy also personally backed the FIFA candidate, explaining: "Moya has been a dedicated and passionate contributor to football, both internationally and in Australia.

"I believe that she would be an outstanding global advocate for the game."

Dodd has long been a vocal supporter of eliminating the gender disparity in world football - both on and off the field - and said in an interview with insidethegames earlier this year that she "hopes to see the day" when women can coach men's teams.

She was also a key figure in the move to allow women footballers to wear the hijab during matches, reversing a ban on the Islamic headscarf that had been enforced in FIFA competitions since 2007.

Dodd, a former Matildas vice-captain, is up against three other challengers for the position on the FIFA Executive Committee.

President of the Burundi Football Association and International Olympic Committee (IOC) member Lydia Nsekera - who has held the position on an interim mandate since May 2012 - leads the candidates, alongside secretary general of the Turks and Caicos Islands Football Association Sonia Bien-Aime and New Zealand Football audit chairwoman Paula Kearns.


"I am honoured to receive the endorsement of the Australian Government," Dodd said.

"I am looking forward to the opportunity, if elected on 31 May, to support football's growth and popularity, particularly women's football, in our region and around the world."

FFA chief executive David Gallop also heralded the support of the influential political figures and added his backing to Dodd's campaign.

"We welcome the recognition by the Australian Government of Moya's strong candidacy for the FIFA Executive Committee," he said.

"Moya is an experienced and respected board member of FFA and the AFC, and FFA supports the AFC's nomination of her for the FIFA Executive Committee."

The winner of the election, which is due to be held during the FIFA Congress in Mauritius on May 31, will hold the role until 2017.

To read the letter click here.

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