Brazil withdrew its bid to host the 2023 Women's World Cup, arguing on Monday it cannot offer FIFA the financial assurances it needs because of the impact of the coronavirus pandemic. The Brazilian Football Confederation also said in a statement it will support Colombia's bid against Japan and the joint candidacy of Australia and New Zealand. Brazil's economy is expected to contract this year by at least 7.4 percent, investment bank Goldman Sachs predicts. The country is the hardest hit by the coronavirus in Latin America, with more than 37,000 confirmed deaths. Brazil's soccer body also said the high number of big sporting events in the last decade could also harm the chances of its bid to host the Women's World Cup.-AP

Source: The Standard June 09, 2020 03:45 UTC