Football Federation Australia (FFA) and New Zealand Football (NZF) are pleased to confirm that the two organisations have joined forces to submit an historic co-confederation Bid to host the first-ever 32-nation FIFA Women's World CupTM in 2023.
FFA's and NZF's Bid - which has received the unified support of the Governments of Australia and New Zealand - promises to amplify women's football in Asia and Oceania like never before as the two culturally and geographically aligned nations work 'As One' to deliver a truly inspired celebration of women's football.
Confirmation of the 'As One' FIFA Women's World Cup 2023TM Bid was made at AAMI Park in Melbourne on Friday, just hours before the Official Bid Book was to be submitted to FIFA at their global headquarters in Zurich.
If successful, a co-hosted FIFA Women's World CupTM in Australia and New Zealand would deliver an unparalleled experience for players and fans alike, with world-class venues in both nations utilised as diverse and vibrant local communities welcome the world for FIFA's global women's showpiece.
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Australian Federal Minister for Youth and Sport, Richard Colbeck, said 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 2023TM 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."
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FFA President, Chris Nikou, believes a co-hosted FIFA Women's World CupTM will supercharge the development of women's football across the region and unlock significant investment in the game.
"As trusted members of FIFA, FFA and NZF are committed to hosting an excellent Women's World Cup that delivers real benefits for the game not only during tournament time, but in the lead up to the competition and afterwards," Nikou said.
"The decision to host the FIFA Women's World Cup in 2023 in Australia and New Zealand, two leading nations in the promotion of women's football and gender equality, will accelerate the game at both the grassroots and professional levels, lighting a path for future generations of footballers, administrators, and fans in Asia-Pacific."
NZF President, Johanna Wood, said the level of cooperation on display by FFA and NZF in a short period of time to develop the joint Bid submission highlights the excellent way in which the nations would work to host the tournament proper.
"NZF and FFA are excited to be joining together 'As One' to Bid for the FIFA Women's World Cup 2023TM. The opportunity to partner, across not just member association boundaries but also confederation boundaries, represents a new level of cooperation for football," Wood said.
"I would like to thank the team who have worked tirelessly to get our submission together which is no mean feat but, more importantly, demonstrates the strong relationship between our two nations and member associations."
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