The study, released by IBISWorld, is a major boost for Australia's bid as the campaign moves into a critical new phase following the end of the World Cup in South Africa.

"Football's World Cup and summer editions of Olympic Games vie for the title of the biggest sports event on the planet," said Robert Bryant, the general manager of IBISWorld.

"However, when it comes to spending, there is a clear winner.

"IBISWorld forecasts that the 2022 World Cup in Australia would, in real terms, generate four times more spending than the 2000 Olympics."

The Sydney Games, considered to be the most successful in the 114-year history of the Olympics, was worth $9 billion (£5 billion) to the Australian economy.

The study estimated that 750,000 people would enter Australia during the course of the World Cup, compared to the 130,000 for the Sydney Olympics in 2000.

"While some of the infrastructure spending has been planned and would be brought forward should Australia's World Cup bid be successful, much of it is dependent on Football Federation Australia convincing a majority of the 24 members of FIFA's Executive Committee to come play in 2022," said Bryant.

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