June 8 – Even though the tournament is not for another three years, Brazil has withdrawn its bid to host the 2023 Women’s World Cup, saying it cannot offer FIFA the financial assurances needed as a result of the impact of the coronavirus pandemic.
The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) said the government did not consider it wise to commit to such guarantees in the current circumstances.
“Because of the fiscal and economic austerity brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, (the government) thought it would not be recommended to right now sign the guarantees asked for by FIFA,” the CBF said in a statement on Monday.
“In view of the exceptional times experienced by the country and the world, CBF understands the cautious position of the Brazilian government, and of other public and private partners, which prevented them from formalising the commitments within the time or in the required manner.”
Although Brazil is one of the country’s worst affected by Covid-19, it has hosted a string of international sporting competitions in recent years, including the World Cup in 2014, the Olympic Games in 2016 and the Copa America in 2019.
But the CBF reportedly felt they were outsiders to host yet another major event and will instead back South America’s other bid – from Colombia, who are attempting to become the first nation from that continent to stage the event.
Japan and a joint bid from Australia and New Zealand are the remaining contenders in what has now become a three-horse race to host the 32-team tournament. The winners bid will be decided by an online meeting of the FIFA council on June 25.
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