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FIFA Secretary General Fatma Samoura has completed the first leg of a three week visit to Australia in advance of the upcoming 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup – Australia & New Zealand.
The FIFA Secretary General arrived last week in Sydney/Gadigal where she remained for several days before departing for visits to Adelaide/Tarntanya and Perth/Boorloo, ahead of returning to Sydney/Gadigal for a lengthy stop to complete the trip.
Sydney/Gadigal is a key Host City for Australia & New Zealand 2023 with Stadium Australia to be the location when Australia faces Republic of Ireland on the opening day of the tournament. Sydney/Gadigal will also witness the world champions crowned when the Final takes place on August 20.
The FIFA Secretary General commenced her tour with several one-on-one interviews with local media including Host Broadcaster Seven Network, as well as meetings with the FIFA local entity staff and the football community in Australia.
The highlight, however, was attending the A-League Women Grand Final as Sydney FC claimed a record-equalling fourth championship with a comprehensive 4-0 win over Western United. The match was played at CommBank Stadium, Parramatta – just a few kilometres from Stadium Australia – in front a record 9,519 attendance for a club women’s football match in Australia.
The FIFA Secretary General also met with numerous stakeholders including Football Australia Chief Executive Officer, James Johnson, and the New South Wales Minister for Sport, Steve Kamper to discuss the readiness of the city and the stadiums. Stadium Australia and the brand new Sydney Football Stadium will host 11 matches in total – more than any other venue.
“What a pleasure to be in Sydney/Gadigal again just months out from what promises to be a magnificent FIFA Women’s World Cup,” said the FIFA Secretary General.
“It was wonderful to attend the A-League Women Grand Final and witness some magnificent football, but also to enjoy a small taste of what looms in July and August. Local excitement is unmistakeable ahead of the tournament as evidenced by the big crowd at the championship decider.
“Excitement is building Down Under for the FIFA Women’s World Cup and the Grand Final demonstrated that local enthusiasm is high as this beautiful city prepares to welcome the world.”
Great to see so many familiar faces @aleaguewomen in Sydney today. Excitement is building around @FIFAWWC which is 81 days away 😱. Enjoyed catching up with you @FootballAus CEO James Johnson & hearing about preparations here in 🇦🇺 for @FIFAWWC. pic.twitter.com/nkA0BzHRNY
— Fatma Samoura (@fatma_samoura) April 30, 2023
