Australia, NZ join forces for 2023 FIFA Women's WC bid

Australia and New Zealand launched a bid to co-host the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup on Friday, with both nations promising to amplify women's football across Asia and Oceania.

Set to be the first-ever co-confederation bid and the first women's tournament to have a 32-nation format, Football Federation Australia (FFA) and New Zealand Football (NZF) officially submitted their proposal to FIFA's headquarters in Zurich before announcing the joint effort in Melbourne at AAMI stadium, reports Xinhua news agency.

With strong support from both nations' governments, Australian Federal Minister for Youth and Sport Richard Colbeck said a Trans-Tasman World Cup would not only deliver world-class venues but also help to highlight the local region's vibrant and diverse footballing communities.

"Australia and New Zealand have a successful history of both staging and co-hosting major international sporting events. We have the infrastructure, expertise and enthusiasm to co-host the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup."

New Zealand's Minister for Sport and Recreation Grant Robertson expanded on the statements made by his Australian counterpart. "It has been no surprise to see the football community, stadiums, host cities and states across our two countries embrace this bid," he said.

Hoping the event will supercharge the development of women's football across the region and unlock significant investment in the game, FFA President Chris Nikou talked up the benefits for the game in the region before, during and after the competition.

"The decision to host the FIFA Women's World Cup in 2023 in Australia and New Zealand, two leading nations in the promotion of women's football and gender equality, will accelerate the game at both the grassroots and professional levels, lighting a path for future generations of footballers, administrators and fans in the Asia-Pacific region," he said.