SAFA CEO Lydia Monyepao has explained South Africa’s surprising decision to withdraw its bid to host the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
The shocking decision to withdraw from the Women’s World Cup bidding process was announced late last night; Friday in a statement by SAFA.
The move has been received with mixed reactions with some questioning the withdrawal, especially given Banyana Banyana’s impressive performance in the recent World Cup in New Zealand and Australia, where they reached the quarter-finals.
However, SAFA has reaffirmed its dedication to developing a formidable Banyana squad and crafting an exceptional bid for the 2031 tournament.
With SA out, the remaining candidates to host the 2027 global showpiece are Brazil, a joint bid by Mexico and the USA, and another joint bid from Belgium, Germany, and the Netherlands.
The hosts of the World Cup will be announced by the FIFA Congress on May 17, 2024.
Monyepao has stepped forward to shed light on SA’s decision, explaining that SAFA is prioritising a well-prepared and compelling bid for the 2031 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
SA WITHDRAWS 2027 WOMEN’S WORLD CUP BID
“It is quite unfortunate that we have to pull out of bidding for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup,” admitted SAFA CEO Lydia Monyepao. “But after doing an assessment and consulting extensively, the decision had to be made.”
SAFA and Monyepao also acknowledged the challenges posed by the tight timeframe for developing the 2027 Women’s World Cup bid.
“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 Lydia Monyepao.
In addition, SAFA emphasised that the decision to withdraw “does not diminish our commitment to women’s football, and has instead strengthened our commitment to producing a strong South African women’s team for 2031, and a compelling bid for the same tournament.
“We were very pleased by the support and advice from the Minister and Deputy Minister of Sport when they encouraged us to work towards preparing a future bid, and in this regard, we felt it was better to regroup and present a well-prepared bid for the 2031 FIFA Women’s World Cup.”
SAFA SET TO PREPARE FOR A ‘ROBUST 2031 BID’
SAFA’s Head of Women’s Football, Romaney Pinnock expressed her disappointment but stated that the association needs ample time for meticulous planning to ensure that SA showcases its passion for women’s football and its ability to deliver a world-class sporting event.
“I am, of course, sad that we are bowing out of the exciting bidding process at this stage, but I feel that this is an opportunity to fully prepare ourselves for a robust 2031 bid. SAFA’s Department of Women’s Football has a large task underway as we implement our new strategy,” said Pinnock.
“This work focuses on growing the game locally for girls, developing a professional women’s league, and creating an effective pathway for girls to become world-class football players.
“Through this work we have the chance not only to prove our worth as a host country, but also ensure future generations are ready to perform on the global stage, and hopefully hold the 2031 FIFA Women’s World Cup trophy here on home ground.
“Hosting a tournament of this magnitude is not only about being ready as a nation but also about nurturing the talent that can represent us on the field and make us proud of our crest, flag, and country.”
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