The success of the combined Australia/New Zealand bid in hosting the 2023 World Cup is a once-in-a-generation opportunity for change says Women in Football.

 

“This win is an enormous boost to women’s football as well as the game,” said Women in Football President, Bonita Mersiades. 

 

“Well done to Football Federation Australia and Football New Zealand for putting together a compelling case as hosts, and focussing on what is important. 

 

“Plaudits are also due to FIFA for its much improved process for evaluating and voting on the bids. Making the votes open and the voters accountable were important measures in bringing greater transparency to the process,” Mersiades said.

 

“We know that we will co-host a great World Cup with New Zealand, and those who attend will have a great time.

 

However, Women in Football believe that it is important that there is a lasting legacy from hosting the event. 

 

"There are six outcomes Women in Football would like to see achieved out of the next three years to help the women’s game and women involved with football more broadly into the future.”

 

They are:

 

1. Better and more facilities for the sport overall, with a focus on women and girls.

2. More girls taking up the sport.

3. Improved and more competition structures nationally for girls and women.

4. More women coaches and referees.

5. More media attention for women’s football and football in general. 

6. More women in positions of executive and management influence.

 

“We look forward to working with the football community to help make this happen.

 

“We don’t want to be in the position once the ‘party’ of the World Cup is over to find there are no substantial gains for football.

 

“That happened in relation to the Sydney 2000 Olympics and the 2015 Asian Cup.

 

“This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity for a seminal shift in how women’s football is placed, how women’s sport is perceived, and also what football can do in terms of soft diplomacy and political and corporate power.

 

“The Women’s World Cup is not a ‘developmental tournament’ but a significant global sporting event in its own right.

 

“All of Australia and New Zealand should feel rightly proud as well as privileged to be the next hosts.”