Australian government backs 2023 FIFA women's WC bid

Canberra, June 13 : The Australian government on Tuesday confirmed it was backing a tiol bid for Australia to host the 2023 FIFA women’s World Cup on the back of recent strong performances by the tiol side — nickmed the Matildas.

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull said the government would work with football’s apex body, Football Federation Australia (FFA), which will lodge the bid for the tourment some time next year, reports Xinhua news agency.

Turnbull told News Corp that Melbourne, Sydney, Canberra, Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth would be the likely cities to host, with the government to provide $750,000 to back the bid initially, followed by an additiol $3 million if the bid looks like being successful.

“I am delighted we are supporting a bid for the 2023 Women’s World Cup,” Turnbull said on Tuesday.

“The Matildas are wonderful role models for young women and girls right across Australia and it would be fantastic to have (them) playing to win the Women’s World Cup on home soil.”

The Prime Minister said Australia is well-known as a “sporting tion” which is “recognised intertiolly for our sporting achievements”, saying that Australia has successfully hosted a number of major sporting events including the Olympic Games and Commonwealth Games.

He added that Australia wanted to be at the forefront of showcasing and growing women’s sport.

“Women’s sport in Australia has moved forward in leaps and bounds. Staging the 2023 Women’s World Cup will continue this momentum,” Turnbull said.

Meanwhile chairman of FFA, Steven Lowy said with the growing interest in the Matildas and strong results in recent tourments means Australia has a chance at hosting the “prestigious” event. IANS