Australia in bold bid to host 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup

AUSTRALIA will today launch a bold bid to host the FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2023 in the hope the Matildas can play to win on home soil.

Michelle Heyman celebrates scoring Australia’s first goal during the AFC Women's Olympic Final Qualification Round match between North Korea and Australia. Picture: Koki Nagahama/Getty Images

• Opinion: Bid for World Cup goal
• City’s teen sensation makes Matildas squad
• Matilda defender is one of sport’s shining lights
• Former Matilda pushes girls’ game

AUSTRALIA will today launch a bold bid to host the FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2023, backed by the federal government.

Melbourne would be among six cities — Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth and Canberra are expected to be the other frontrunners — to host the rapidly-growing 24-team tournament last held in Canada in 2015, which drew 1.35 millions fans and a global TV audience of 764 million.

The tournament would inject millions into the Australian economy, with an anticipated influx of soccer lovers from women’s soccer heavyweight nations China, Japan and USA.

The Matildas, currently ranked eighth in the world, have reached the past two World Cup quarter-finals and would be a strong chance to win the cup on home soil.

Kyah Simon celebrates her second goal against Nigeria during the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup. Picture: Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images

Australia's starting 11 at the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup. Picture: AFP Photo/Geoff Robins

The youthful Matildas are filled with world-class talent such as Sam Kerr, Steph Catley, Caitlin Foord and rising Pakenham-born star Jacynta Galabadaarachchi, 16.

The federal government has pledged $1 million in initial funding and will commit a further $4 million in December if Australia is deemed a reasonable hosting prospect and satisfied with FIFA’s process.

The conservative approach comes off the back of the shambolic FIFA bidding campaign for the 2022 World Cup, where the government committed $46 million to ­secure a solitary vote back in December 2010.

The Herald Sun understands that Football Federation Australia has been given transparency assurances in meetings with FIFA and the Asian Football Confederation.

The World Cup Trophy as the United States celebrates after winning the FIFA Women's World Cup. Picture: Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images

“I am delighted we are supporting a bid for the 2023 Women’s World Cup,’’ Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull said.
“The Matildas are wonderful role models for young women and girls right across Australia.

“It would be fantastic to have the Matildas playing to win the Women’s World Cup on home soil.

“We are a sporting nation, recognised internationally for our sporting achievements and for showcasing some of the biggest sporting events in the world.

“Women’s sport in Australia has moved forward in leaps and bounds.

“Staging the 2023 Women’s World Cup will continue this momentum.”

Soccer is Australia’s No.1 participation sport for both men and women according to AusPlay, an independent report released by the Australian Sports Commission.

Elise Kellond-Knight during the quarterfinal match between Australia and Japan. Picture: Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images

FFA chairman Steven Lowy said hosting the biggest women’s tournament in the world on home soil would be a boon.

“This is the largest, most prestigious and most competitive contest in a women’s sport globally,” Mr Lowy said.

“We want to win the right to host it and then win the tournament itself.

“The benefits to Australia are many and varied with major economic impact to the wider community and, most importantly, a massive increase in exposure and investment in women’s football.

“A FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia would inspire a whole new generation of girls and women to take up the biggest participation sport in Australia, for many with the dream of winning the World Cup on home soil.”

FIFA will decide on the host by early 2019, with bids due in late 2018.

david.davutovic@ news.com.au