SYDNEY, May 18: Australian football officials Sunday said they had submitted a bid to host the FIFA Club World Cup in 2009 and 2010.

“It’s a very exciting competition, with the best team from each of the six FIFA confederations and a team from the host nation participating,” Football Federation Australian chief Ben Buckley said.

“FIFA is looking for hosts for 2009 and 2010, and we believe Australia has very strong credentials.” Australia’s rivals to host the event are Japan, which has already been selected to stage the tournament in 2008, and the United Arab Emirates, he said.

“We want to be a strong and positive contributor to the world of football in as many ways as possible,” he said in a statement.—AFP