Lansdowne vies to host Women's World Cup soccer
CBC News
Posted: Mar 3, 2011 7:11 PM ET
Last Updated: Mar 3, 2011 7:11 PM ET
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Get out those vuvuzelas — international soccer is returning to Canada, and Ottawa is hoping to be part of the action.
The FIFA Women's World Cup is coming to Canada in 2015, with seven cities – including Ottawa – slated as possible hosts.
The Canadian Soccer Association compiled the list, which includes Vancouver, Edmonton, Winnipeg, Montreal, Halifax, Moncton, and Ottawa.
"Our big push in hosting the Women's World Cup is that we can provide international soccer from coast to coast," said Joe Guest, the deputy general secretary of the Canadian Soccer Association. "Obviously we would hope that the nation's capital would feature highly in that."
Guest said Ottawa proved its mettle when it successfully hosted the FIFA U-20 World Cup in 2007.
But for Ottawa to host world cup games, the planned renovation of Lansdowne Park and Frank Clair Stadium will have to stay on track — despite a legal challenge.
Mayor Jim Watson, who pushed hard for Ottawa to be on the short list, said it can be done.
"I'm very confident. Obviously the court case — we have to deal with it and we're taking that very seriously," said Watson. "But if we're successful, the plan is to get shovels in the ground later this year."
The FIFA delegation will visit Ottawa and the other potential host cities this fall.
The delegation will be assessing the size of the stadium — the event requires a 20,000-seat venue — the infrastructure available, and the city's commitment to funding the event, said Guest.
While the CSA has seven cities on its short list, FIFA is hosting the Women's World Cup in nine cities in Germany this summer.
Guest said the Canadian list could grow, depending on the interest and resources offered by different cities.
FIFA will decide which cities are on the roster by the end of the year.
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