Adelaide United is delighted that Adelaide will be put on the international stage after successfully being named one of the Host Cities for the FIFA Women’s World Cup™ 2023.
The decision follows an extensive eight-month review process conducted by FIFA to select the nine (9) Host Cities and ten (10) stadiums for the tournament.
Adelaide and Coopers Stadium was chosen as one of the suitable locations which will be a significant boost to the South Australian community from a sporting, sociocultural, and economic perspective.
Adelaide United Director, Ian Smith, said: “We’re thrilled with FIFA’s decision to name Adelaide a Host City for one of the biggest tournaments in the world.
“This announcement reflects the hard work of all involved in advocating to FIFA about why our fantastic venue should host matches.
“This of course would not have been possible without the South Australian’s Government’s $53 million investment to redevelop Coopers Stadium, announced late last year by Premier Steven Marshall, as well as the addition of $1.75 million to the City of Charles Sturt’s $3.5 million project to upgrade the public realm surrounding Coopers Stadium.
“This is the biggest sporting event to come to Australia since the Sydney 2000 Summer Olympics, and we’re confident an international event as big as this will leave a legacy for women’s football and women’s sport more broadly in this state.”
Jodie van Deventer, Chair of Adelaide United Women’s Football Committee, added: “This is a momentous day for the city, the state but specifically women’s football.
“To have a massive tournament on our doorstep provides a tremendous and unique opportunity and one we must maximise the positive outcomes.
“An event of this magnitude really has the potential to create change and further improve all aspects of women’s sport – especially around overhauling facilities at local clubs – while inspiring the next generation of young, aspiring footballers.”
Adelaide United Chief Executive Officer, Nathan Kosmina, said: “We are excited by the news made by FIFA in believing Coopers Stadium is a suitable venue for the FIFA Women’s World Cup™ 2023.
“The stadium is already one of the best purpose-built venues for football in this country and that will only be enhanced following the completion of the pending redevelopment which is set to commence in the coming months.
“The passion for women’s football in our state is evident and was on full display during our Westfield W-League game at the venue in front of a record-breaking crowd nearly two weeks ago.
“We anticipate the revamp will be extremely beneficial to the South Australian football community and facilitate the return of international football to the venue beyond 2023.”
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