John Coates revealed that Lowy, a billionaire who is one of Australia's richest men, already enjoyed a close relationship with FIFA President Sepp Blatter after he introduced the two in 2003.

 

Coates said: "They hit it off straight away.

 

"Frank's very relaxed in the company of these people, particularly someone like Blatter.

 

"He's a very engaging person ... it's why there is absolutely no other person in this country who can deliver this to Australia."

 

Coates was the vice-president of Sydney's successful bid to host the 2000 Olympics, an event that had been widely tipped to be awarded to Beijing.

 

Lowy, the chairman of Football Federation Australian (FFA), is convinced he can forge the relationships with the 24 members of FIFA's ruling Exeutive Committee that will deliver the World Cup.

 

He said: "Of course, there are alliances.

 

"There are always alliances between people who have been together for a long time.

 

"I'm a relative newcomer to the FIFA world.

 

"But I've made some good friends. Football is in their blood - unfortunately there's a little too much politics.

 

"Like everything.

 

"I believe we can get it.

 

"Otherwise, it's a tremendous workload for me and everybody else.

 

"If I had thought...after the launch, it was unachievable, I would say so and move on."
 

Australia is one of 11 bidders for the events.

 

England, Indonesia, Japan, Mexico, Netherlands-Belgium, Russia, Spain-Portugal have filed to hosting both World Cups, and Qatar and South Korea bid for 2022 only.

England and Spain are seen as the leading contenders to host in 2018, while the United States and Australia are viewed as a top candidates for 2022.

 

A decision is due on both events in December 2010.