Socceroos coach Graham Arnold blasts sport’s treatment in Australia, has a dire World Cup warning

Socceroos coach Graham Arnold is concerned about the future of football across the nation – and with good reason.

In a wide-ranging interview with Daily Mail Australia, the 59-year-old revealed why other nations across Europe and Asia are ‘miles ahead’ when it comes to their elite programs. 

Arnold also asked why other footy codes such as AFL and NRL repeatedly receive government funding – yet football year after year, gets nothing.

Additionally, Arnold wants to see a Socceroos high performance centre created for football in a capital city such as Sydney – as well as a museum where the past feats of decorated players such as Johnny Warren, Harry Kewell and Tim Cahill can be forever celebrated.

‘To be honest, it is appalling how our sport is treated,’ the Socceroos boss said.

Socceroos coach Graham Arnold is worried the lack of government funding for Aussie soccer will mean an end to World Cup appearances unless something is done

Socceroos World Cup hero Aaron Mooy cut his football teeth in NSW before moving abroad to Scotland to play with St Mirren in 2010 – and when he comes home now, the facilities he’s confronted with are nothing like other nations’

‘I notice the Sydney Swans have a new training facility at Moore Park and the [Wests] Tigers recently opened a Centre of Excellence at Concord.

‘I have no problem with other codes securing funding, but why do we get left out?

‘There is a clear expectation that the Socceroos must qualify for every World Cup … I am telling you if we keep getting left behind when it comes to funding, it simply won’t happen in the future.

‘Creating world class facilities on our own doorstep will allow our talented young players to realistically compete with other nations. ‘I know this has to happen because I have travelled….and other nations are constantly improving.

‘Some places in the Middle East for instance, they seem to be getting better each week, it is unbelievable.

‘We need a [national] high performance centre, where our players can go for treatment, use ice baths or recover after long flights from Europe.

‘Sydney makes sense as a venue given the participation levels in NSW and the sheer number of players from the state who have gone onto play for Socceroos and the Matildas. 

‘A permanent home for the Socceroos, it is a must.’

Nestory Irankunda is destined to be a Socceroo – and aged just 17, has attracted the attention of German giants Bayern Munich

Australia stunned football fans everywhere with their amazing run at the World Cup (pictured, Harry Souttar playing against Argentina) – and Arnold believes it’s a ‘miracle’ that the national team is ranked 39th on the planet

Arnold also declared it is a ‘minor miracle’ the Socceroos are 39th on FIFA’s world rankings – while the Matildas are in 10th spot ahead of the Women’s World Cup on home soil later this year.

‘It is down to the hunger and desire of individuals,’ he said.

‘The players are the ones brave enough to test themselves overseas, away from family and friends … and once they are established at their respective clubs, they risk it all to come back and play for Australia.

‘And for what? Yes, it is fantastic to represent your nation, but it should be a two-way street.

‘We all saw the live sights during the World Cup in Qatar. The appetite for football is there, we just need funding at government level so realistically we can keep competing against the rest of the world.’

Keep reading Daily Mail Australia for part two of Graham Arnold’s interview where he discusses this weekend’s A-League Grand Final between Melbourne City and the Central Coast Mariners.