Australia and New Zealand have forged a strong alliance in a bid to jointly stage the blue-riband event of women’s football in three years.
The other bidders are Brazil, Colombia and Japan.
“Our world-class infrastructure, modern stadia, high-quality football facilities in Australia and New Zealand and major event-hosting experience ensure certainty in delivering the first 32-team World Cup,” Football Federation Australia chairman Chris Nikou said.
“From operational excellence, record-breaking crowds, commercial success, strong government support, a warm embrace from our 200 diverse cultures to a genuine profound legacy across the Asia-Pacific region, Australia-New Zealand offers certainty in uncertain times, as well as impact.”
FIFA has announced that its 37-member council will make its final decision on June 25 and the voting process will be made public online.
“FIFA has today confirmed to the bidding member associations that the selection of the host(s) of the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 by the FIFA Council will be made at its meeting to be held online on June 25,” a statement read.
FFA would be confident that federal government’s ability to deal competently and effectively with whatever crises - such as the coronavirus - come our way may have created a perception among voters of a country that is perfectly capable of hosting such a big event.
Our federal and state governments are leading the way and cooperating, our health system works efficiently, our public order is reliable and our economic drag won’t last as long as those in Brazil, Colombia and Japan which are more deeply affected by the pandemic.
Now that Australia is gingerly but surely moving out of its most difficult period we could be seen as not only FIFA’s most reliable partners but also the most exciting because a World Cup in the Antipodes would be the first time women’s biggest tournament would be played in two countries and across two confederations.
If Australia and New Zealand land the big prize in little over a month, the popular Matildas would never get a better chance of winning the one trophy that has eluded them.
The tournament will be held in July and August.
