The biggest global sporting event for women has secured the backing of the NSW Government as Australia strengthens its bid for the 2023 Women’s Football World Cup.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian said building world-class stadiums attracts the world’s biggest sports events and the Football World Cup is a highlight for women’s sport.
“The world’s best women’s footballers could be kicking goals in our stadiums in 2023 and the scoreboard will show NSW winning for decades afterwards,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“We committed to bidding for 10 World Cups in 10 years because these major events drive investment into our cities, delivering social, economic and cultural benefits to NSW, particularly regional areas.”
Minister for Sport John Sidoti said hosting the Women’s Football World Cup will highlight the value that the NSW Government places on women’s sport and increasing participation, particularly at the grassroots level.
“Hosting this tournament will be a massive coup for NSW giving grassroots sport a powerful injection to drive participation higher,” Mr Sidoti said.
“In every World Cup there are role models and heroes that young women aspire to emulate. In 2023 those superstars will inspire our next generation of Matildas.”
Minister for Tourism Stuart Ayres said 24 nations and their fans could be on our shores to watch 52 matches over four weeks.
“This could be a great win for sporting fans, athletes and the NSW community, with 13,000 domestic and 3,800 international visitors set to boost the local economy by an estimated $21 million,” Mr Ayres said.
Football Federation Australia Chief Executive David Gallop AM said NSW is leading the way in women’s football and is delighted with its commitment to the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023.
“Hosting the largest women’s sporting event in Australia in four years’ time will have a significant and positive impact on the Australian and NSW economies. Most importantly, it will secure an outstanding legacy for female sport, helping FFA achieve Gender Equality in Football through our drive towards parity in female participation, getting more females in leadership roles at all levels of the game, and improving pathways to develop the next generation of Westfield Matildas,” Mr Gallop said.
“I congratulate the Premier, Stuart Ayres and John Sidoti for their foresight, commitment and support of FFA’s Bid. We look forward to submitting an extremely strong Bid to FIFA, and ultimately to delivering the best-ever FIFA Women’s World Cup, with NSW playing a significant role in a successful event.”
