Victoria, often hailed as the home of the Matildas, finds itself in the midst of disappointment and frustration as the Allan government neglects to put forth a bid to host the 2026 Women’s Asian Cup. The decision, met with criticism from fans and stakeholders alike, not only deprives Victorians of the chance to witness their beloved team on home turf but also comes at the cost of significant economic and developmental opportunities for the state.
Football Australia’s announcement that New South Wales, Queensland, and Western Australia will host the Matildas for the tournament underscores the missed chance for Victoria. Despite the substantial investment of $42.29 million into the Home of The Matildas stadium and the undeniable popularity of the squad, Victorians now face the prospect of either traveling interstate or missing out on the tournament entirely.
The ramifications of this decision extend beyond the realm of sports fandom. With the Women’s Asian Cup estimated to generate a staggering $260 million in economic output and create over 1,000 jobs, Victoria stands to lose out on vital economic growth and employment opportunities. Additionally, the absence of such a prestigious sporting event tarnishes Victoria’s reputation as a vibrant hub for major international competitions.
CEO of Football Australia, James Johnson, emphasized the importance of government support in advancing women’s football. He rightly pointed out that such backing is indispensable for the sport’s continued development, especially in light of the surge in participation and the pressing need for enhanced facilities.
The success of the Matildas on the global stage, particularly during the 2023 World Cup, showcased Australia’s prowess in women’s football and sparked a nationwide surge in interest and participation. However, Victoria’s failure to secure the Women’s Asian Cup reflects poorly on its commitment to nurturing and celebrating the achievements of its athletes.
Critics, including shadow minister Sam Groth, have lambasted the Allan Labor government for its lackluster efforts in securing major sporting events. Groth rightly argues that Victoria, as the purported home of the Matildas, should prioritize hosting opportunities for its national team. With significant investments made in canceling the Commonwealth Games and international tourism still recovering from the impacts of the pandemic, Victoria can ill afford to squander opportunities to bolster its sporting credentials and economic prosperity.
In response to the outcry, the government cited a packed calendar of events, including the Australian Open and the NGV Summer Series exhibition, as reasons for not bidding for the Women’s Asian Cup. However, such justifications ring hollow in the ears of passionate football fans who feel sidelined by the prioritization of other events over the Matildas’ showcase.
Former Matildas captain Melissa Barbieri expressed her disappointment at the decision, highlighting the missed opportunity for Victorians to witness elite women’s football firsthand. The apparent scheduling conflicts cited by Barbieri only serve to deepen the sense of frustration among supporters, who hoped for more concerted efforts to accommodate the Women’s Asian Cup.
Ultimately, Victoria’s failure to bid for the 2026 Women’s Asian Cup represents a glaring missed opportunity and a disheartening setback for both football enthusiasts and the state’s broader community. As other regions gear up to welcome the Matildas with open arms, Victoria must reflect on its priorities and redouble its efforts to support and showcase its national team on the international stage. For a state that prides itself on being the home of the Matildas, anything less would be a disservice to its athletes and fans alike.
