Football Federation Australia today acknowledged the support of the Queensland government after it announced it is backing the bid to host the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
FFA Chief Executive David Gallop AM thanked the government for its commitment, which would see several matches played at Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane.
He said, “We are thrilled to have the support of the Queensland Government. The confirmation of this support and the inclusion of Brisbane as a proposed Host City significantly strengthens Australia’s bid.”
“This will secure an outstanding legacy for female sport in Queensland and Australia, powering FFA’s drive towards Gender Equality in Football.”
“Suncorp Stadium is a magnificent venue of football, and the prospect of hosting World Cup matches there is an extremely exciting one for the Westfield Matildas and everyone at FFA,” Gallop added.
Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said “We want Queensland to be known as a world-class destination for major events. Hosting World Cup teams could make Queensland the centre of attention for a massively growing global audience.”
“It’s a big prestigious event, televised round the world and FIFA reports it attracted an audience of more than a billion during the tournament in France earlier this year.”
The success of the 2019 tournament in France has led to a decision by FIFA to expand the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup to a 32-team tournament up from 24.
Queensland Minister for Tourism Industry Development Kate Jones said, “Hosting this event would be a game changer for women’s sport in our state.”
“The Matildas captured the attention of the world at this year’s World Cup in France. But there is nothing like playing on home soil.”
“To give the Matildas the chance to play in Queensland would do great things to promote gender equality and encourage more women and girls into sport in our state,” Ms Jones said.
FFA has received $5 million in funding from the Australian Government to prepare a bid, and the NSW Government has also publicly confirmed its support for the bid. FIFA will announce the host of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup in May next year.