Brazil withdraws bid to host 2023 Women's World Cup

Brazil has withdrawn its candidacy to host the 2023 Women's World Cup, with the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) saying the government did not consider it wise to offer financial guarantees in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.

"Because of the fiscal and economic austerity brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, (the government) thought it would not be recommended to right now sign the guarantees asked for by FIFA," the CBF said in a statement on Monday.

Netherlands team line up prior to kick-off during the FIFA Women's World Cup 2019 Final in Lyon, France, July 7, 2019. /VCG

Brazil has hosted a string of international sporting competitions in recent years, including the World Cup in 2014, the Olympic Games in 2016 and the Copa America in 2019.

The country will instead support Colombia in the region to host the event, the organization said.

Colombia, Japan and a joint bid from Australia and New Zealand are the remaining contenders to host the expanded 32-team tournament.

A decision on the location of the tournament is expected on June 25.

(CGTN)