The board, chaired by businessman and Westfield co-founder Frank Lowy AC, will give their time to the Local Organising Committee for Asian Football Confederation Asian Cup 2015.

Nikou joins newly-appointed board members Cheryl Bart AO, Joseph Carrozzi, John Conde AO, Geoff Dixon and Heather Reid, agreed upon between the Federal, Queensland, NSW, ACT and Victorian governments and Football Federation Australia.

Nikou has acted as legal advisor to many professional sporting clubs, associations and governing bodies and is a current director of the Melbourne Renegades. He is also a former director of the Football Federation of Victoria (2003 – 2008).

Lowy said the board members have a “wealth of experience” across fields including business, tourism, major events, sport and the charity sector and they are well placed to help the Local Organising Committee deliver on its objectives.

“The AFC Asian Cup is about more than just a football tournament. Governments have invested in the event because of the great potential it has for making lasting connections with our Asian neighbours,” said Lowy.

“There is no doubt the new board members will help us with the aim of strengthening our cultural, social and economic ties with Asia as well as helping us to harness Australia’s reputation for hosting world class events.”

Preparations are underway for the 2015 event which is expected to reach a television audience of 2.5 billion people.

The AFC Asian Cup 2015 is being jointly funded by the Australian Government and the Queensland, NSW, ACT and Victorian governments. Matches in the tournament will be played in Victoria, NSW, ACT and Queensland.