Australian football’s future beyond next year’s Women’s World Cup helped by $230m in government funding

With a year to go until the start of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, football’s future in Australia has been enhanced with a $230m injection.

Football Australia has secured $230m in government funding in its bid to secure the sport a “lasting legacy” beyond next year’s FIFA Women’s World Cup.

To celebrate the start of the tournament – which is being co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand – being one year away, FA revealed the progress of the Legacy ’23 plan, which was launched in February 2021.

And while pleased with the $230m that has been thus far secured via funding from federal and state governments, FA chief executive James Johnson said there was “further work to do”.

20 July, 2023. ✨

The biggest women's sporting event in the world.

Ready? 😉🏆 #BeyondGreatnesspic.twitter.com/XUZDXWnQm2

— FIFA Women's World Cup (@FIFAWWC) July 20, 2022

“The final 12 months in the lead-up to the FIFA Women’s World Cup is crucial to our game as we strive to make the most of this rare opportunity,” Johnson said.

“As exciting as it is to be hosting the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 on our shores, the tournament has always represented more than just a month of elite and exciting international competition.

“The Legacy ’23 plan provides a platform for the sport to leverage this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to realise a truly meaningful legacy for football, the community and the nation well after the event has been successfully delivered.

“We have further work to do, in parti­­cular with the tourism and international engagement, leadership and development and community facilities pillars.”

Next year’s Women’s World Cup is set to attract a worldwide audience of more than a billion people.

FIFA secretary-general Fatma Samoura said: “This competition will provide a platform to inspire and unite through the power of women’s football and FIFA, together with the host countries, looks forward to welcoming players and fans from around the world and going ‘Beyond Greatness’ together in 2023.”

The tournament draw is on October 22 in Auckland, with tickets to go on sale online on October 6.

Originally published as Australian football’s future beyond next year’s Women’s World Cup helped by $230m in government funding