ZURICH: France and South Korea are the only two contenders left bidding to host the Women’s World Cup in 2019 after the confirmed withdrawals from the race of England and New Zealand.

FIFA’s executive committee will decide between the two next March.

The French bid was registered formally by Noel Le Graët, president of the FFF, secretary-general Brigitte Henriques and coach Philippe Bergeroo. The South Koreans were represented by Gyuchung Mong, president of the Korean Football Association.

Both nations be expected to host the Under-20 Women’s World Cup in 2018.

Le Graët was cautious about French prospects, pointing out that – before the imminent finals in Canada – they had been hosted in Europe, in Germany.

Gyuchung, stressing the full support of the Korea government, said: “We have a very strong support from our Head of State and ths would contribute greatly to develop women football South Korea.”

Sports Minister Patrick Kanner added: “The bid has the full support of the state and the government. We need to expand women’s sport in France and we are confident that we also have great expertise in organising sports events.”

France will host the Euro 2016 finals; South Korea, at PyeongChang, will host the 2018 Winter Olympics.

Proposed French venues include Auxerre, Grenoble, Le Havre, Lyon, Montpellier, Nancy, Nice, Paris (Stade Jean Bouin), Reims, Rennes and Valenciennes.

The Opening Match and the Final would be staged in the new stadium in Lyon. The budget would be about €40m.

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