THE race to host the 2023 Fifa Women’s World Cup intensified this week, as interested nations submitted their bid books ahead of yesterday’s deadline. 

South Africa ended its attempt to bring the first Women’s World Cup to the African continent, while South Korea — which had planned a joint bid with its northern neighbours — made a similar announcement just hours before the deadline yesterday.

But the chances of an Antipodean World Cup were strengthened as Australia and New Zealand joined forces to submit the first-ever co-confederation attempt to host a major football tournament.