FIFA ethics judge Joachim Eckert released a 42-page report which  found "potentially problematic facts and circumstances" surrounding  England's bid for the 2018 World Cup, while the bid teams of Australia, Japan and South Korea were rebuked for their conduct in bidding for the 2022 World Cup.

Eckert ruled none of the actions of the bidding nations affected  the integrity of the vote, which gave the 2018 tournament to Russia  and the 2022 tournament to Qatar.

Lowy issued a statement Friday saying Australia's bid was conducted with government oversight, reviewed by independent external auditors, and involved input from FIFA.

--Sapa-AP--