FFA agree long term deal to play 11 international games in NSW

Football Federation Australia (FFA) and the NSW Government have arranged a five year agreement that will see the Socceroos and Matildas play 11 matches in the state.

The deal will see the Socceroos play five matches while the Matildas will play six games in NSW from 2016-2020.

The agreement will see the Socceroos play World Cup Qualifying matches in Sydney in 2016, 2017, 2019 and 2020. In 2018 they will play a friendly.

The first of these matches will be played at Allianz Stadium on 29th March against Jordan.

Announcing the deal, FFA Chief Executive David Gallop stated “we are delighted to sign a long term five year deal with the NSW Government that will ensure certainty for these premium matches. The Socceroos qualified for the last World Cup and the won the AFC Asian Cup in Sydney. We look forward to making more history over the next five years.

“This agreement also allows us the opportunity to showcase the Westfield Matildas on home soil. The Matildas have proven to be tremendous role models for young women at the World Cup and the recent qualifiers in Japan.”

NSW Minister for Trade, Tourism and Major Events and Minister for Sport, Stuart Ayres, added “I am delighted that we have come to an agreement with the FFA through our tourism and major events agency, Destination NSW, to secure at least 11 games featuring these teams for NSW between 2016-2020.

“These international matches will attract thousands of visitors to the state, with a total estimated visitor impact of more than $20 million. This is great news for local hotels, restaurants and businesses, as well as local football fans.”

The current FIFA international schedule will see the Socceroos play up to 11 more matches in 2016, nine matches plus the 2017 FIFA Confederations Cup in Russia in 2017 and up to three friendlies leading into the 2018 FIFA World Cup in June 2018.

Gallop concluded “the NSW Government has thrown its support behind these premium World Cup Qualifiers and we are in discussions with the other State Governments around the country who are equally keen to lock down certainty in securing the high profile matches that are approaching in the next few years.

“Early planning for Socceroos and Matildas matches allows the teams to prepare well for the crucial matches but also gives each State Government the opportunity to achieve targets in relation to tourism and revenue.”

Image: Sydney's Allianz Stadium will host the Socceroos' FIFA World Cup qualifier against Jordan on 29th March.

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