Minister for Trade, Tourism and Major Events and Minister for Sport Stuart Ayres said the new long-term partnership with Football Federation Australia (FFA) ensures NSW receives an annual supply of quality international football.

“The Socceroos and Matildas are our two premier football teams, representing Australia in men’s and women’s football. I am delighted that we have come to an agreement with the FFA through our tourism and major events agency, Destination NSW, to secure at least 11 games featuring these teams for NSW between 2016-2020,” Mr Ayres said.

“These international matches will attract thousands of visitors to the State, with a total estimated visitor impact of more than $20 million. This is great news for local hotels, restaurants and businesses, as well as local football fans.”

The agreement will see the Socceroos play World Cup Qualifying matches in Sydney in 2016, 2017, 2019 and 2020. In 2018 they will also play an International Friendly.

The first of these matches will be played at Allianz Stadium on 29 March against Jordan. The agreement will also see six international Matildas matches and three U/23 Olyroos matches between 2016-2020.

FFA Chief Executive Officer David Gallop said, “The Caltex Socceroos and the Westfield Matildas are the national teams that truly represent Australia in all its diversity and they have a fantastic supporter base in NSW.”

“These teams are premium brands in the sports landscape and their matches are always popular. We are delighted to sign a long term five year deal with the NSW Government that will ensure certainty for these premium matches.”

Tickets are currently on sale for both upcoming Socceroos matches against Jordan and Greece, and can be purchased at socceroos.com.au/tickets

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Images available for download

Image L-R: FFA CEO David Gallop, Socceroo Mark Milligan, Socceroos Head Coach Ange Postecoglou, Minister for Trade, Tourism and Major Events and Minister for Sport Stuart Ayres