Sam Allardyce is emerging as the bookies favourite to fill the vacant Sunderland manager role, but what do you think? See all the BestPrice betting here.

The Australian government has committed a large sum to support the country’s bid to host the 2018 World Cup finals.

The government formally announced they would contribute A$45.6 million towards the bid process.

“I’m going for 2018,” Football Federation Australia chairman Frank Lowy said. “We are singled-minded about it, we have no plan B.

“We don’t want to have plan B, we only want to have plan A and we’re going to go for it.

“Will we succeed? I expect that we will but there are no guarantees.”

Lowy also had a strong message for those dismissive of Australia’s chances of winning the bid ahead of fellow contenders England, Spain and China.

“I’d like to say to some of the sceptics that are always around that this is the time not to be sceptical,” he added.

“This is the time to move forward, to give us the confidence that the whole of Australia is behind us. This is not about football – this is about Australia.

“Australia can do and will do this job if it gets the chance. We’ve had two Olympics, we’ve had two rugby World Cups and I think we stand very well.

“Australia’s strength in this field is unquestionable. All we need to do now is get 13 of the 24 (FIFA executive) votes.

“It’s easier said than done but I can assure you we will do our utmost to get it done.”

Sam Allardyce is emerging as the bookies favourite to fill the vacant Sunderland manager role, but what do you think? See all the BestPrice betting here.

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