The Matildas will move an Olympic qualifier to Perth Stadium to accommodate tens of thousands more fans trying to get tickets.
Fresh off their fourth-placed finish at the Women’s World Cup last month, the Matildas are scheduled to play three qualifying matches in October and November for next year’s Olympic Games in Paris.
The games — against Iran on October 26, Philippines on October 29 and Chinese Taipei on November 1 — were originally slated to be played at Perth Rectangular Stadium, which has a capacity just over 20,000.
But Football Australia said, due to “soaring demand” for tickets, the Philippines game will be moved to the nearby AFL ground in the city, which holds 60,000 fans.
“Although the Rectangle Stadium at HBF Park is best suited for football, given all three match days have sold out, on balance it made sense to move one to Optus Stadium, so that as many fans as possible could see the team,” Western Australia Premier Roger Cook said.
When asked why only one of the three games was moved, a Football Australia spokesperson said: “HBF Park is Perth’s traditional home of football and deserves to host international content like this.”
The spokesperson said fan feedback told them the Sunday game against Philippines would provide the best opportunity for families and people who need to travel to attend, as opposed to the other two games on a Thursday and Monday.
Football Australia chief executive James Johnson thanked the West Australian government for facilitating the venue change
Australia’s opening Women’s World Cup match against Ireland was moved from the 42,500-capacity Sydney Football Stadium to Stadium Australia, which can accommodate 83,500 people.
(ABC)
