FIFA has multiple bids to consider for 2023 Women’s World Cup

Liam Watson

FIFA the global governing body for football has received four bids from those looking to claim hosting rights for the 2023 Women’s World Cup.

Having recently seen Football Federation Australia (FFA) and Football Ferns (New Zealand) join forces to host the prodigious tournament, it won’t be the only bid that FIFA have to consider.

They have received bids from the Brazilian Football Association (CBF), the Colombian Football Association (FCF), and the Japan Football Association (JFA).

With FIFA confirming that the submission deadline of December 13th has passed, they will start to undergo an inspection of each country through a visit between January and February 2020. A final decision is expected to be made at a FIFA Council meeting in Ethiopia’s capital city of Addis Ababa in June 2020.

While FIFA saw a record number of nine nations including Argentina, Bolivia, South Africa and Korea put themselves forward as potential hosts for the 2023 event, only four in total were accepted after FIFA updated their hosting requirements which lead to a reopening of the bidding process earlier this year.

For the joint bid between Australia and New Zealand, the countries’ federations have planned for the 2023 Women’s World Cup to be held in 12 cities combined, with seven from Australia and five in New Zealand.

“Australia and New Zealand have a successful history of both staging and co-hosting major international sporting events – most recently the Rugby League World Cup 2017 and the Cricket World Cup 2015,” said Richard Colbeck, Australia’s Minister for Youth and Sport.

“By hosting such a premier sporting event, we strengthen Australia’s reputation as a world leader in women’s sport.”

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has already announced an increase of participating teams in the next Women’s World Cup from 24 to 32 and spoke about the success of the last tournament in France.

“France 2019 was certainly a watershed moment for women’s football, and now it is FIFA’s responsibility to take concrete measures to keep fostering the game’s incredible growth,” he said.

“With the FIFA Women’s World Cup generating an unprecedented interest across member associations, we are ensuring that the process to select the hosts is seamless, objective, ethical and transparent. By the time the FIFA council announces the hosts, there should be no doubt whatsoever as to why that choice was made.”

 

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Female Football Week kicks off across Northern NSW

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Image Credit: Shutterstock

Female Football Week has officially begun across Northern NSW, with a program of gala days, networking events and awards ceremonies running until Sunday May 17, marking a ten-day celebration that organisers say reflects both the growth of women’s football in the region and the work still required to sustain it.

The national initiative, now a fixture on the football calendar, provides a dedicated period of visibility for female participants across all levels of the game from players, coaches, referees to volunteers, whose contributions have historically received less recognition than their male counterparts.

NNSWF Participation and Women’s Football Officer Serena Carter said the week offered something for everyone connected to women’s football in the region.

“Female Football Week provides a fantastic chance to highlight the dedication and skill of female players, coaches, referees and volunteers across the northern NSW community,” Carter said. “There’s something for everyone to enjoy, from grassroots participants to elite competitors.”

Women’s football in northern NSW spans remote and regional communities where clubs operate on limited resources, alongside more established metropolitan programs with clearer development pathways. Female Football Week creates a moment of shared recognition across that spectrum and acknowledges the role volunteers play, from running the canteen to progressing through the pathway.

Northern NSW Football has recorded some of its strongest participation numbers in women’s and girls’ football in recent seasons, a trend that has placed increasing pressure on clubs and facilities to keep pace. The week’s events offer clubs an opportunity to showcase their commitment to diversity and inclusion at a time when that commitment is being tested by growth.

Female Referee Mentor Program backed by Football Australia

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Image credit: Football Australia

Football Australia (FA) launched the program last week, aiming to champion the next generation of female referees through connections with experienced officials.

Investing in the future

Backed with investment from the Australian Government’s ‘Play Our Way’ grant, FA’s Ref Our Game framework will pair future referees with current and former A-League officials.

Through one-on-one mentorship, development opportunities and a network of experienced professionals, aspiring female referees will have unique insights into match officiating.

“Football Australia has always been a leader in inclusion, setting a global standard for female leadership and development,” said Football Australia CEO, Martin Kugeler, via press release.

“This program reflects a strong commitment to building a more inclusive and sustainable officiating pathway and creating a meaningful connections, increasing confidence and ensuring talented female referees feel supported to stay in the game.”

Furthermore, with the launch coinciding with Female Football Week (running from May 8 to May 18), the program represents a wider drive in Australia’s football landscape to become inclusive and supportive.

 

About the program

Focused on future referees within the 18-26 age bracket, the program will give participants a deep understanding of match officiating and equip them with both confidence and expertise.

Each participant will benefit from six mentor sessions, which will include individual feedback, guidance and insights into the life of a referee in elite sport.

Combining leadership, communication and a real sense of belonging, the program promises to nurture new female referees and, as a result, ensure football remains a sport in which men and women can participate side-by-side.

“The Albanese Government’s $200 million Play Our Way program is the most significant commitment ever to women and girls sporting programs and facilities and it’s making a real difference,” explained Minister for Sport, Anika Wells.

“We want to see more girls and women involved in sport at every level and supporting programs like this helps make that happen.”

Indeed, programs of this nature align ambition, professional networks, and a vision for improving the landscape.

This is what the industry needs to ensure long-term inclusivity and cohesion for the next generation.

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