Football Federation Australia remain open to the capital's involvement in the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup after launching a historic joint bid to bring to the world's best female footballers to the southern hemisphere.
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The FFA and New Zealand Football submitted a joint-bid 'As One' for the Women's World Cup on Friday, but Canberra will not be one of the hosting cities if their proposal is successful.
One way Canberra could reenter the frame is being a training venue given the ACT government is building a $24.5 million football facility in Throsby, which is expected to be completed in 2021.
All six state governments have thrown their support behind their plans to co-host the expanded 32-team tournament but the ACT and Northern Territory will not take part in the proposal.
The World Cup would also be brought to New Zealand's capital city of Wellington, as well as Auckland, Dunedin, Hamilton and Christchurch.
As revealed by The Canberra Times in November, the ACT government withdrew its support from the FFA's plans to secure hosting rights for the 2023 World Cup due to the cost and scheduling clashes.
The national body are willing to negotiate ways the capital may be involved with the tournament if Australia and New Zealand earn the right to host the event.
FIFA's executive committee will determine the winning bid with a vote in May.
"FFA remains open to potential discussions with the ACT government regarding how the ACT may be able to be involved with the Women's World Cup in 2023 should Australia's bid ultimately be successful," an FFA spokesperson said.
"FFA is proud to have secured the support of six state government as part of its World Cup bid. The prospect of hosting [it] in Australia is something FFA is very excited about.
"The tournament would shine a spotlight on women's football in Australia and Asia, unlock commercial opportunities and provide FFA with a great platform to advance its key gender equity initiatives."
It's understood the government was considering a proposal to host up to six World Cup matches at Canberra Stadium.
The stadium is the only rectangular venue in the city and the Raiders would need to play during the five-week World Cup window.
There is a requirement for World Cup venues to be unavailable to host other sporting events during that period. The FFA has been working with the NRL and Super Rugby to solve scheduling issues.
But the ACT government consulted Capital Football about how to best spend the money and it was decided to invest in the Throsby "home of football" and secure regular internationals.
The Queensland government has pledged $11 million towards the trans-Tasman bid and would host at least one knock game and a Matildas match in Brisbane.
The 'As One' proposal also includes plans to stage the World Cup final in Sydney, with Parramatta Stadium, Olympic Park and the new 45,000-seated Sydney Football Stadium in Moore Park hosting options.
Tasmania signed on earlier this week to host three group stage matches at Launceston, while Melbourne, Perth and Adelaide round out the Australian hosting cities.