Japan out of 2023 Women's World Cup; Australia-NZ bid favored

Japan Football Association on Monday anunced it is pulling out of bidding for 2023 Women's World Cup. withdrawal should clear way for a joint bid by Australia and New Zealand to be awarded event, which last took place in France in 2019. JFA made anuncement at an online news conference in Tokyo.

Japan out of 2023 Women's World Cup

Today, we decided to withdraw our bid to host 2023 Women's World Cup, JFA President Kozo Tashima said, speaking in Japanese.  I could t be more disappointed to have to make this very difficult decision. Australia-New Zealand bid received highest evaluation from FIFA earlier this month with Japan rated second and Colombia third. World governing body FIFA is to anunce winner on Thursday in Switzerland.

Australia and New Zealand bid received highest rating score of 4.1 out of 5. Japan was second at 3.9 and Colombia had 2.8. Scores were based on criteria including hotel availability, stadiums and or infrastructure. Japan won Women's World Cup in 2011 and was runner-up in 2015. United States has won it four times including in France last year. Australia and New Zealand have never finished in top four. Tokyo is host nation for postponed 2020 Olympics, which are to be held next year. Japan is also bidding for 2030 Winter Olympics with Sapporo as host. 

Im credits: AP