The FIFA Council has announced they will vote to award the hosting rights for the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 on June 25, 2020.
Football Federation Australia (FFA) and New Zealand Football (NZF) released a joint statement acknowledging FIFA’s confirmation of the date, saying they will continue to prepare a final presentation to the FIFA Council and the global football family.
FFA and NZF hope to demonstrate how Australia-New Zealand would host a tournament FIFA would be proud of in every way possible.
FFA president, Chris Nikou, said he believes the joint bid between the trans-Tasman countries is a very strong option for FIFA.
“We believe that our proven ability to deliver the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 is a key strength of our bid,” Nikou said.
“Our world-class infrastructure, modern stadia, high-quality football facilities in both Australia and New Zealand and major event hosting experience ensure certainty in delivering the first 32 team FIFA Women’s World Cup.
“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,” he said.
NZF president, Johanna Wood, said the unity of Australia and New Zealand is a ground-breaking approach to hosting a major event.
“Our proposal offers FIFA a ground-breaking approach to hosting its greatest women’s tournament,” Wood said.
“We are two nations from two confederations, united in proposing a historic and exciting step forward for world football.
“We will be a tournament of firsts.
“The first ever co-Confederation hosted FIFA World Cup, the first ever FIFA Women’s World Cup to be held in the Asia-Pacific region, and the first ever to be held in the southern hemisphere.
“And as important as all of this, we are nations proud of our commitment to equality and fairness and would embody a FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 built on common humanity through football.
“As the world looks to adapt and recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, our bid offers an exciting vision to bring the world together as one in 2023 to celebrate women’s football and inspire women and girls around the world,” Wood said.
Join the most engaged community in the Sports Business World.
Get all the latest news, insights, data, education and event updates.