SYDNEY: Australia's bid to host the 2018 World Cup received another major boost yesterday when the federal government pledged $30 million to the campaign.

Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd said the money would be distributed over the next three years as the government and the Football Federation of Australia (FFA) try to bring the World Cup to Australia for the first time.

"Today's announcement sends a clear message to the football world that Australia is serious about hosting the 2018 FIFA World Cup," Rudd said in a statement.