Leeds United have today confirmed they will be bidding to host matches at the 2035 FIFA Women’s World Cup. The Premier League club are working on the bid in conjunction with Leeds City Council, with councillors expected to approve the city making a formal bid at a meeting next week.
The council’s executive board will be asked at its meeting at Civic Hall a week tomorrow to approve United submitting a bid to the Football Association to be considered to host up to seven matches in the tournament at Elland Road. The club's home stadium is in line for redevelopment under proposals that were submitted for planning approval earlier this summer. The plans would take the stadium's capacity from just over 36,000 to around 53,000.
England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales are set to host the prestigious tournament and stadiums must meet certain criteria to be considered. Elland Road has hosted many major sporting events in recent years, including international matches for both England women's and men's senior football teams. It has also staged games in the 2015 Rugby Union World Cup and 2021 Rugby League World Cup.
Leeds United Chief Business Officer Morrie Eisenberg said: “We are thrilled at the prospect of bringing 2035 Women’s FIFA World Cup matches to Elland Road, which would be fantastic for both the club and the city.
“As part of our vision to enhance Elland Road, which would put it amongst the elite stadia in Europe, we want to host Premier League football and world-class events, and this is an amazing opportunity to do so.
“The women’s game has enjoyed huge growth over the past decade, which will only continue over the coming years and we want Elland Road to be part of that legacy, this is another example of the city and club coming together to drive positive impact for the Leeds community.”
Leeds City Council’s executive member for adult social care, active lifestyles and culture Councillor Salma Arif said: “The possibility of Leeds and Elland Road hosting matches in a football World Cup is hugely exciting and so we are delighted to be making our bid to be a host venue working with Leeds United and our partners.
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“Women’s football is booming at all levels following the incredible success of the Lionesses, which is fantastic to see in terms of inspiring people of all ages to lead healthy and active lifestyles.
“And as a city Leeds has a proven track-record for hosting major international events, so we look forward to being part of this bidding process and hearing on the next steps in due course.”
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