President of the South African Football Association (SAFA), Dr Danny Jordaan and CEO Advocate Tebogo Motlanthe are in Rwanda to attend the 73rd FIFA Congress.
South Africa is one of the countries bidding to host the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup and the duo was present when the world football governing body, FIFA, approved the bidding requirements.
“In line with the decision taken at its meeting on 14 February 2023, the FIFA Council unanimously approved the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027™ Bidding Regulations, which will see the most comprehensive bidding process in the history of the competition before the host(s) are due to be appointed by the FIFA Congress next year,” said FIFA in a statement.
The requirements place heavy emphasis on two categories, namely:
- Infrastructure – 70% of score
- This focuses on Stadiums, Teams, referees facilities, accommodation, the International Broadcast Centre, and Competition related events
- Commercial – 30%
- This is about the Revenue Streams, Broadcasting being the most important, as well as the Cost of Organising the event.
Among the countries bidding to host the women’s global showpiece are:
2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup Bids:
- South Africa
- Belgium, Germany, Netherlands – Joint Bid
- Brazil
- Chile
- Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden – Nordic countries Joint Bid
- Italy
- Mexico
- USA
Speaking from Rwanda, Dr Jordaan said they remain in high spirits, especially now that they know what they are up against.
“We are confident of bringing the tournament home. The starting point for us is that Africa has only one candidate, which is a huge boost, while Europe and the America’s have multiple candidates. What also stands us in good stead is that we have a successful track record as we delivered ‘The Best World Cup’ ever in 2010. Over and above that, should we get the right to host, we will join a few elite countries in the world in hosting this event, but we will also register ‘a unique first to host Africa’s first Women’s World Cup’, like we did with the Men’s FIFA World Cup on this continent,” said the SAFA President.
Early last year, Dr Jordaan told SAFA.net that following the hosting of the 2010 FIFA World Cup, South Africa still has the infrastructure in place.
“From an organisational point of view, we have the infrastructure, the stadiums, the hotels and the training venues, and what helps is that we have already hosted a World Cup of 32 nations in 2010. The infrastructure is in place and we have the capacity to deliver. The world knows our capacity, they have seen the stadiums and they have seen our infrastructure,” he said.
SAFA has already registered its intention to bid for the tournament, and have the backing of the both the government and the South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee (SASCOC).
“This serves to confirm that SAFA is a member of SASCOC and is a member in good standing. 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,” read a letter from SASCOC.
Dr Jordaan says SAFA will be meeting with the newly-appointed Minister of Sport, the Honourable Zizi Kodwa next week.
“I am currently in Kigali, Rwanda and the SAFA NEC will engage and discuss the next steps, which include meeting the newly-appointed Minister of Sport, the Honourable Zizi Kodwa to bring him up to speed with developments,” added Dr Jordaan.
By Matlhomola Morake
