11 January 2023 – South Africa’s interest in hosting the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup received another boost after government expressed its support for the South African Football Association’s (SAFA) plans.
Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture Nathi Mthethwa sent a letter to SAFA President Dr Danny Jordaan saying the department is proud to support the Association’s expression of interest to bid to host the global showpiece.
“At this stage of the process, this letter does not in any way mean, or cannot be considered an underwriting, guarantee, or financial commitment by the Department of sport, arts and culture or any other Government department in the Republic of South Africa,” the letter said.
“It is noted that the details of the requirements and commitments from the Bidding countries will be articulated in the Bid Book to be released by FIFA when the bidding process officially opens.
“We wish SAFA all the best with the Expression of Interest, and should SAFA be invited to bid, there will be further liaison between SAFA, SASCOC and DSAC.”
The Minster’s support comes on the back of the South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee (SASCOC) giving the SAFA president a letter of support for the bid in October last year.
“This serves to confirm that SAFA is a member of SASCOC and is a member in good standing,” the letter says. “We acknowledge that hosting of either Continental or World Tournaments in South Africa places the country at the highest level globally and adds value to our economy. National Federations are however required to adhere to SASCOC’s Protocol and Procedures for Bidding and Hosting of events and the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture Bidding and Hosting Regulations of May 2010.
“SASCOC fully supports and appreciates such intentions with focus on addressing women development and growth. The recent achievements by Banyana Banyana attest to the commitments from your federation. We are therefore looking forward to SAFA making a superb presentation for the opportunity to host the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.”
There are several proposed bids for the 2027 World Cup, but South Africa and a joint bid from Belgium, Germany, and the Netherlands are the only ones that have been confirmed.
Dr Jordaan said SAFA is looking forward to formally launching South Africa’s intention to be a bidding nation.
“We look forward to receiving the final bid book requirements from FIFA,” the SAFA president said.
“We are saying that the debate as far as the stadiums are concerned is settled. The venues are in place, the training grounds are in place, the accommodation and the roads are in place.
“We now await the terms and conditions from FIFA. We believe we have got what is required to host the FIFA Women’s World Cup in South Africa. The success of the World Cup in 2010 in South Africa dispelled pessimism around an African bid.
“We believe we have got what is required to host the FIFA Women’s World Cup.”
