This was published 4 years ago
Australia-NZ bid for Women's World Cup boosted by Brazil withdrawal
By Vince Rugari and Kathryn Wicks
Australia and New Zealand's bid to host the 2023 Women's World Cup has received a huge boost after Brazil withdrew from the running, leaving just three remaining contenders.
The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) said in a statement on its website that the decision was down to "a combination of factors", but that the financial problems accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic rendered the country unable to commit to signing FIFA's relevant guarantees.
Sam Kerr celebrates one of Australia's goals in the 2019 World Cup match against Brazil.Credit: EPA
"Due to the scenario of economic and fiscal austerity, fuelled by the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, it would not be advisable, at this moment, to sign the guarantees requested by FIFA," the statement said. "In view of the exceptional moment experienced by the country and the world, CBF understands the cautious position of the Brazilian Government, and of other public and private partners, which prevented them from formalising the commitments within the time or in the required manner."
The CBF will instead support Colombia, with the only other candidates being Japan and the joint Australia-New Zealand bid. There are reports in Colombia that female players have been treated poorly during the pandemic, being stood down without pay or terminated while male players have been paid at a reduced rate.
The pandemic has devastated Brazil, with 691,758 COVID-19 cases and 36,455 deaths, Johns Hopkins University reports.
FIFA is due to announce the winner on June 25, with hopes in Australia and New Zealand rising because of how well both nations have handled the pandemic and the fact that no senior men's or women's FIFA tournament has ever been held in Oceania.
Football Federation Australia chairman Chris Nikou said last month: “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.''
The Matildas, led by Sam Kerr, were eliminated in the round of 16 at the 2019 World Cup in France.