New Zealand Join Australian Bid, South Korea And South Africa Withdraw From Race To Host 2023 Women’s World Cup
December 13, 2019
Australia’s bid has been strengthened by the addition of New Zealand to produce a combined bid between the two nations for the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
But South Korea have joined South Africa in withdrawing from the race to host the tournament this week.
South Africa withdrew from the race to host the competition earlier this week and have now been joined by the Koreans, who had possibly been hoping to host a combined tournament between themselves and North Korea.
However, with North Korea appearing unlikely to join forces with their southern counterparts, South Korea believe they cannot go forward on their own.
Australia and New Zealand hosted the Men’s Cricket World Cup in 2015 and have had their bid for the women’s FIFA World Cup approved by six Australian states already, with Australian Federal Minister for Youth and Sport, the Hon. Richard Colbeck, saying the Australian Government is committed to the joint bid which is a logical and compelling response to the expanded 32-nation format that will be introduced in 2023.
“Our Bid for the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 strongly aligns with the Australian Government’s commitment to inspire more girls and women to participate in sport and increase their physical activity for better health and wellbeing,” Minister Colbeck said.
“Australia and New Zealand have a successful history of both staging and co-hosting major international sporting events. We have the infrastructure, expertise and enthusiasm to co-host the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 and I wish FFA and New Zealand Football every success.”
New Zealand Minister for Sport and Recreation, Grant Robertson, said the joint Bid is an unprecedented opportunity for the two countries to showcase their commitment to women’s sport and continue to track records of successfully hosting major sporting events.
“New Zealand and Australia are both countries that champion and celebrate women’s sport, and it has been no surprise to see the football community, stadia, host cities and states across our two countries embrace this bid,” Minister Robertson said.
“We know New Zealand and Australia can work as a team to deliver something unique and world class, while also creating a legacy for women and for football in our countries and across Asia and Oceania.”