The ACT government and Canberra soccer community will miss out on a financial windfall and potential facility upgrades for the women's World Cup if Australia wins hosting rights for 2023.
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The government has decided not to join the FFA's bid for the tournament, officially terminating negotiations after almost two years of considering the proposal.
Canberra had an option to host up to six games, but the government has cited the cost of those matches, scheduling clashes at Canberra Stadium and a growing list of sports they have paid to have in the city.
The government paid $3.5 million to have seven Asian Cup games in Canberra in 2015, with the benefits leading to lighting and facility upgrades at McKellar Park and Deakin as well as a share in the tournament's $6 million profit.
That money was reinvested into Canberra's grassroots sooccer and it was expected venues around the capital would have been upgraded to meet FIFA training standards, which would have benefited clubs in the Capital Football competitions.
More than 82,000 people attended the Asian Cup games, justifying the government's financial commitment.
But a government spokesperson said the decision to withdraw from 2023 World Cup contention was final, and money that would have been used for the tournament would be redirected to a $24.5 million soccer hub at Throsby and more regular international matches.
Former Asian Cup local organising committee chief executive Michael Brown worked with the government for three years to schedule matches in the capital for the 2015 tournament.
He defended the government's decision, but conceded Canberra would miss out on the multicultural festival of soccer.
"It depends on what the event platform looks like," Brown said.
"There's a great stadium in Canberra and the embassies make for a great environment. The Asian Cup was at a perfect time of year, but I'm sure there's a reason and rationale around this because Andrew Barr was incredibly supportive of the Asian Cup.
"I'm not close enough now, but there will be reasons around this strategy. It will depend on time of year and the availability of stadiums."
The Asian Cup required Canberra Stadium to be "locked down" as a clean stadium for three weeks prior to games and for the Asian Cup to have its own caterers on site.
The January timing of the Asian Cup avoided a clash with the ACT Brumbies or Canberra Raiders, but the World Cup will be played in July and August.
The South Australian government initially said it would not be a part of the FFA's bid following an analysis of the event and challenges around Adelaide's rectangular stadium.
But Premier Steven Marshall backflipped two weeks ago, succumbing to public pressure and announcing South Australia was joining NSW and Queensland in the proposal.
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It's understood the ACT government will not change its mind, despite disappointment from the capital's soccer community.
Government officials will instead focus on trying to secure more regular Socceroos and Matildas content, the start of the "home of football" project in Throsby and other sporting deals.
The government is still working with Cricket Australia to formalise a six-year content deal to secure Big Bash and international fixtures until the mid 2020s.
The Sydney Thunder will play against the Melbourne Stars in a women's Big Bash game at Manuka Oval this week, while the venue will also host eight Twenty20 women's internationals in January.
The Raiders, Brumbies and GWS Giants are also negotiating their performance and stadium agreements.