Australia's bid for the 2018 and 2022 World Cups has been given a major boost after Archbishop Desmond Tutu backed their campaign.

Tutu, who played a key role in bringing the 2010 tournament to South Africa, today promised he would travel to Zurich for next year's vote to support Australia.

Football Federation Australia (FFA) chairman Frank Lowy and chief executive Ben Buckley met the Nobel Peace Prize winner at Tygerberg Children's Hospital in Cape Town, where Lowy presented a cheque for £82,000 (one million SA rand) to support the hospital.

Afterwards, Tutu donned a Socceroos shirt with the bid slogan 'Come Play' and said he is behind Australia because - like Africa - they had never hosted the World Cup before.

Tutu said: "I will be happy to come to Zurich to support you in the same way you have supported this foundation."

Lowy said: "Africa has given football some of the world's best players over the years and this is a gesture that also recognises Africa's contribution to our game.

"It must be our legacy and it is Australia's long-standing policy to help where help is most needed."