On Monday, the Football Federation Australian chief was actively promoting the cause during a press conference, as Oceania’s vote appeared to be reinstated for the Thursday ballot in Zurich.
Addressing the media at the snow-dusted Hotel Zurichberg, located just a few hundred metres from FIFA’s headquarters on the outskirts of Zurich, Lowy mentioned that preparations were being finalized for the half-hour pitch to FIFA’s ruling panel scheduled for Wednesday evening.
When questioned about the corruption allegations that have overshadowed the governing body in recent times, he stated that the primary focus of Australia’s World Cup Bid is to avoid any controversies.
“Our responsibility is clear: Australia must steer clear of these issues and present the strongest bid possible,” he remarked.
“I believe we’ve accomplished that, and what transpires outside of our efforts is beyond our influence.”
Although FIFA has yet to officially confirm, Lowy anticipated that the acting president of Oceania, David Chung, would be permitted to take the place of the disgraced Reynald Temarii on the voting committee of 23 members.
Chung of Papua New Guinea is en route to Zurich to advocate for FIFA’s smallest confederation, and his vote is anticipated to favor Australia.
With the BBC’s Panorama program set to broadcast an investigation into FIFA’s corruption this week, coupled with last month’s sting by the Sunday Times, Lowy initially questioned the accuracy of certain reports regarding the governing body.
However, when asked if he was defending FIFA, he shifted to a more tempered stance.
“It is not within my purview; I do not oversee FIFA. I am the chairman of Australian football, and our duty is to remain focused,” he stated.
“We are refraining from making allegations concerning matters we are not informed about.”
At 80 years old, Lowy expressed that there is “no plan B” if one of Australia’s competitors — the USA, Qatar, Japan, or South Korea — is declared the winner early on Friday morning.
Australia may not find itself in such a favorable position to host the quadrennial sporting celebration again for decades.
Furthermore, Lowy did not foresee being present to witness a World Cup in Australia if it does not occur in 2022.
“It lies beyond our time, perhaps for some of you… but I will be observing from a different place,” he concluded.
