Spence: Queensland to host crucial Socceroos clash this week
Published Sunday, 12 October, 2008 at 07:15 PM
Minister for Police, Corrective Services and Sport
The Honourable Judy Spence
Sport Minister Judy Spence said football fever is in the air with the 2010 World Cup qualifying match between the Qantas Socceroos and Qatar only days away.
Ms Spence said Wednesday’s crucial match will be Australia’s first home match in round 4 of the 2010 FIFA World Cup Asian Qualifiers – a real coup for Queensland football fans.
“I have no doubt Queenslanders will get behind the Qantas Socceroos to help them secure a spot in the World Cup finals in South Africa,” Ms Spence said.
“The Qantas Socceroos have experienced the electric atmosphere that is generated at Suncorp Stadium and will be counting on Queenslanders to show their sporting rivals what ‘home ground advantage’ really means.
“This match will showcase the excellent facilities we have here in Queensland at our first rate stadiums like Suncorp, to an audience of millions across the world.
“The Bligh Government has spent $280 million turning Suncorp Stadium into one of the best rectangular sporting and entertainment venues in the world, to attract high profile matches such as this.”
Ms Spence said in order to secure this major sporting event in Queensland, Stadiums Queensland has worked closely with all parties to abide by the regulations of the Asian Football Confederation, which require a clean (sponsor/ commercial signage free) stadium for this level of World Cup events.
As such, Suncorp Stadium will be referred to as Brisbane Stadium, Milton, by FIFA and the FFA in regards to this event.
“On Monday, the Suncorp Stadium signs will be covered over for the first time and will be unveiled again after the match.
“The support the stadium has received from Suncorp in complying with FIFA requirements is greatly appreciated – ensuring that all commercial signage associated with the stadium be suspended for this particular fixture.
“It’s an exciting time for soccer fans in Queensland, following the start of the Hyundai A-league season and the addition of two new Queensland based teams in 2009 in Townsville and on the Gold Coast.
“The Queensland Government will continue to promote the development of soccer in this state, by creating world-class venues and supporting the code at all levels as it grows.”
Media contact: 3239 6172
Ms Spence said Wednesday’s crucial match will be Australia’s first home match in round 4 of the 2010 FIFA World Cup Asian Qualifiers – a real coup for Queensland football fans.
“I have no doubt Queenslanders will get behind the Qantas Socceroos to help them secure a spot in the World Cup finals in South Africa,” Ms Spence said.
“The Qantas Socceroos have experienced the electric atmosphere that is generated at Suncorp Stadium and will be counting on Queenslanders to show their sporting rivals what ‘home ground advantage’ really means.
“This match will showcase the excellent facilities we have here in Queensland at our first rate stadiums like Suncorp, to an audience of millions across the world.
“The Bligh Government has spent $280 million turning Suncorp Stadium into one of the best rectangular sporting and entertainment venues in the world, to attract high profile matches such as this.”
Ms Spence said in order to secure this major sporting event in Queensland, Stadiums Queensland has worked closely with all parties to abide by the regulations of the Asian Football Confederation, which require a clean (sponsor/ commercial signage free) stadium for this level of World Cup events.
As such, Suncorp Stadium will be referred to as Brisbane Stadium, Milton, by FIFA and the FFA in regards to this event.
“On Monday, the Suncorp Stadium signs will be covered over for the first time and will be unveiled again after the match.
“The support the stadium has received from Suncorp in complying with FIFA requirements is greatly appreciated – ensuring that all commercial signage associated with the stadium be suspended for this particular fixture.
“It’s an exciting time for soccer fans in Queensland, following the start of the Hyundai A-league season and the addition of two new Queensland based teams in 2009 in Townsville and on the Gold Coast.
“The Queensland Government will continue to promote the development of soccer in this state, by creating world-class venues and supporting the code at all levels as it grows.”
Media contact: 3239 6172