Premier Ted Baillieu said the win was wonderful news for Victorian football fans and the state’s economy.
“Hosting the AFC Asian Cup 2015 also has the potential to open up trade and other business opportunities between Australia and Asia,” Mr Ballieu said.
“It is likely that the 2015 AFC Asian Cup’s opening match, featuring the Qantas Socceroos, will be played at Etihad Stadium.”
The 2015 AFC Asian Cup will attract up to half a million spectators, 45,000 international guests and 4,700 media visitors.
The economic benefits to Australia are expected to be significant, with a PriceWaterhouseCoopers economic impact report estimating that up to 1,000 jobs will be created nationally.
(Source: Tourism Victoria newsletter Edition 68 - 13 January 2010 )
