Sports, Arts and Culture Minister Zizi Kodwa has confirmed that the government supports the South Africa’s Football Association, SAFA, decision to withdraw from bidding to host the 2027 Women’s World Cup and instead focus on putting together a bid to host the 2031 tournament.
Speaking during a media briefing in Pretoria, Kodwa re-iterated that it was not the government’s prerogative to finance sporting bids, but to provide guarantees as has been the case in the past.
“The government of South Africa was clear in November 2022 when supporting SAFA’s Expression of Interest in hosting the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup that the letter cannot be considered an underwriting, a guarantee or a financial commitment by the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture or any other department in the Republic of South Africa”.
“The Department has fully supported SAFA in providing the Federation with a platform to address various levels of government”.
“Government was also prepared to participate in the FIFA Observer programme for potential host c cities during the FIFA Women’s World Cup in New Zealand and Australia.
We respect the decision by SAFA to work towards a well-prepared bid in 2031,” said Kodwa.
The withdrawal comes at a time when women’s football in South Africa is at its strongest.
Banyana Banyana are the reigning African champions, they reached the last 16 of this year’s edition of the global showpiece while Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies won their second CAF Women’s Champions League in three seasons. The list of Mzansi players plying their trade abroad is also on the rise.
“We felt that it was better to present a well-prepared bid for the 2031 FIFA Women’s World Cup and ensure we put our best foot forward, rather than producing a rushed presentation,” said SAFA CEO Lydia Monyepao.
The remaining candidates are a joint bid from Belgium, Germany, and the Netherlands, one from Brazil and another joint bid by Mexico and the United States.
The FIFA Congress will decide the hosts on 17 May 2024.
