An Australian newspaper has released the details of a freedom of information search related to that country's failed 2022 World Cup bid.
The Age reports that Australia:
[PRBREAK][/PRBREAK]
- Sought to meet a secret ''list'' of requirements created by suspended FIFA and Oceania soccer official Reynald Temarii in return for securing Oceania's vote.
- Complained that the Australian government planned to give a bottle of fine wine to FIFA official Jack Warner rather than an entire case.
- Asked Warner to select a journalist to whom he ''wanted to extend a favour'', to be offered a free trip to Australia.
You can read the full report here.
It seems more and more like Thursday's decision might have been the step too far that FIFA took. There is a groundswell of support for reform and, unlike past attempts, there seems to be a willingness of powerful, rich federations to stand up to FIFA.
Next year's FIFA presidential election could prove to be very interesting.