Australia to bid for Club World Cup

MELBOURNE (Reuters) - Australia will bid to host the Club World Cup in 2009 and 2010, Football Federation Australia (FFA) said on Sunday.

The tournament involves the champion clubs from world governing body FIFA's six confederations and another from the host country.

Japan, which is bidding again, has hosted the last three tournaments and will host it later this year. The United Arab Emirates are also bidding, the FFA said in a statement.

"We believe Australia has very strong credentials," FFA chief executive Ben Buckley said in the statement.

"Australia has quality facilities, good systems and infrastructure and the capacity to develop more, stable governance and football fans and all-round sports fans who are knowledgeable and passionate."

Buckley said the FFA was keen on hosting major soccer events.

"We want to be a strong and positive contributor to the world of football in as many ways as possible," he added.

"Next week's FIFA Congress is part of that strategy, as is the 2015 Asian Cup, bidding for the 2018 FIFA World Cup and also the 2009 and 2010 Club World Cup."

FIFA's executive is to decide who will host the 2009 and 2010 tournament when it meets in Sydney next week, ahead of its annual congress.

(Reporting by Greg Stutchbury; Editing by Alastair Himmer)