FFA boss James Johnson defends Tim Cahill over FIFA World Cup ambassador appointment
The boss of Football Federation Australia has come to the defence of Tim Cahill after his appointment as an ambassador for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
Cahill's appointment as a member of the "Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy" has been met with mixed reactions, particularly considering the tensions that exist after Australia's failed bid for the 2022 World Cup.
However, FFA CEO James Johnson took a different view on Cahill's appointment, suggesting that it is a positive sign the Socceroos great has been chosen for the role.
"I think it's great for Tim and I think it's great for Australia to have Tim in this new role," Johnson told Nine Radio.
"It continues to show how Australia is becoming more influential and growing in terms of our global presence.
Johnson says it is a positive for Australian football that Cahill has been chosen in such a role Getty
"Tim has played and scored for the Socceroos in Qatar and the current crop of players will be looking to emulate that feat by qualifying for the World Cup."
Johnson's comments come after former Socceroo Robbie Slater took umbrage with Cahill's appointment, calling it "unnecessary and a poor choice".
"It (Cahill's appointment) all sounds like a load of crap to me," Slater said.
"It's up to them, they can call it what they want but I don't agree that Tim should be on it, I'm sorry. I think it's a poor choice.
"I'm not a left-wing activist who is going to go out there and protest but I think this is a poor choice."
