Victoria Becomes Latest State To Pledge Support For 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup Bid

The Victorian Government has announced its support of Australia’s bid to host the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

Victoria joins New South Wales, South Australia and Queensland as the states in support of the bid so far as Football Federation Australia (FFA) continues to strengthen the proposal, which will be submitted to FIFA next month.

The Victorian Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events, Martin Pakula, said an event of this stature will only help to further cement Australia as a sporting capital of the world.

“Melbourne loves putting on a show and the FIFA Women’s World Cup is as big as it gets in women’s sport.

“Major events and sport are synonymous with Victoria, we are proud to be playing our role with Football Federation Australia in the bid to win the rights to host what will be an amazing month on the global calendar,” Mr Pakula said.

The announcement came at AAMI Park in Melbourne, one of the proposed venues expected to host Women’s World Cup matches in 2023.

FFA chairman, Chris Nikou, said he is delighted with the government’s decision to ‘get onside’ with the Women’s World Cup bid.

“Victoria is a world leader in delivering major sporting tournaments and it makes perfect sense that they are part of our bid to host the world’s largest women’s sporting event here in Australia,” Mr Nikou said.

“Our bid for the FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2023 is set to have huge economic benefits for the nation, and profound social impacts in communities across the country.

“Just as importantly, the opportunity to secure a lasting legacy for women’s sport in growing participation, building facilities, driving greater opportunities for women to be leaders in the game and building pathways for the next generation of Westfield Matildas will last for generations.

“I congratulate the Minister and his government for joining us in partnership to deliver the best World Cup women’s football has seen.

“We are excited about submitting a compelling bid to FIFA and hosting a World Cup that fans and players will never forget.

“Victoria and its passion for football are very much at the heart of our bid,” he said.

There is yet to be any indication from Tasmania, Western Australia, Northern Territory and Australian Capital Territory of official support for the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup bid being taken to FIFA in December.