Football Australia Unveils Post-Tournament Report on Legacy ’23 Strategy: Calls for Continued Investment and Support for Australian Football

Football Australia has today released an in-depth post-tournament report on the Legacy ‘23 strategy, outlining the tremendous success and impact of the FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia and New Zealand 2023™. The report not only highlights the economic benefits of the tournament but also emphasizes the need for continued investment and support to ensure the long-term sustainability and growth of Australian football.

The FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia and New Zealand 2023™ was a monumental event that not only broke even for the first time but also generated an impressive economic impact of $1.32 billion in Australia. The tournament played a crucial role in promoting physical activity and well-being across the nation, while also showcasing Australia’s capability to host globally significant sporting events.

James Johnson, CEO of Football Australia, underscored the importance of maintaining the momentum generated by the FIFA Women’s World Cup: “The success of the tournament has demonstrated the positive impact that major sporting events can have on both the sporting and broader societal landscape. It is essential that we build on this success and secure the hosting rights for the AFC Asian Cup 2026™, which will further elevate Australia’s position on the global football stage.”

Furthermore, the report highlights the significant increase in women’s participation in football as a result of the success of the CommBank Matildas and the Legacy ‘23 strategy. This surge in participation has put pressure on the need for government investment to address the $2.9 billion gap in facility investment across Australia. Football Australia is working closely with all levels of government to meet the needs of the 1.7 million participants across the country.

Sarah Walsh, Head of Women’s Football, World Cup Legacy, and Inclusion at Football Australia, emphasized the transformative impact of the CommBank Matildas on Australian society: “The success of the CommBank Matildas has been instrumental in challenging gender stereotypes and advocating for gender equality within the sporting landscape. It is crucial that we secure continued funding to ensure that the legacy of the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023™ translates into lasting change and progress for football in Australia.”

The Legacy ‘23 report also highlights the broader influence of the Legacy ‘23 strategy on sport as a whole, with government investment benefiting not only football but also other sports. Football Australia is committed to working with government partners to establish ongoing investment programs to address the facilities gap and support the growth of grassroots participation.

Looking ahead, Football Australia is determined to continue fostering partnerships across government levels to secure the hosting rights for upcoming tournaments and ensure the ongoing success and growth of Australian football. The Legacy ‘23 strategy serves as a roadmap for the future of football in Australia, highlighting the need for increased funding and support to sustain the legacy of the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023™.

To access the full report, click HERE.