Sydney’s much-anticipated return to hosting international sport has been locked in, with the NSW Government announcing a two-match series between the Matildas and Brazil later this month.
The games will be played at CommBank Stadium in Parramatta on Saturday, October 23 and Tuesday, October 26, with a controlled number of fans able to attend in line with the Government’s Reopening NSW roadmap, following NSW Health approval of quarantine arrangements for players, coaches and support staff.
Deputy Premier John Barilaro said the games have only been made possible due to the vigilance of NSW residents during lockdown.
“It’s been a long winter for fans of live sport in NSW, and I’m excited to announce that thanks to the community’s commitment to achieving our vaccination targets, international sport will return to Sydney in late October,” he said.
“As COVID restrictions ease, in line with our roadmap, a limited number of full vaccinated, football-starved fans in Sydney will have the opportunity to see some of the best players in the world right here in NSW.”
Minister for Sport Natalie Ward said this was fantastic news for the major sports capital of Australia.
“We’ve been in hiatus during the COVID outbreak, but this exciting schedule shows that Sydney is back and ready to welcome the return of international sport,” she said.
“There is plenty more to look forward to, with the Sydney Ashes Test match in early January, as well as international one day and T20 cricket, and a full program of BBL and WBBL games and A-League and W-League football.”
Football Australia CEO James Johnson said bringing our national teams home has been a priority for some time now.
“Football Australia has been working tirelessly behind the scenes with both the Federal and State Governments to bring our national teams home. This is a huge win for Australian football,” he said.
The international football matches will be played under strict COVID-safe arrangements, in line with the roadmap.
The Brazilian team will be required to quarantine under strict NSW Health protocols, with strong measures in place to protect the strength of the quarantine environment and the broader NSW community.
Tickets for the games will go on sale shortly with spectator capacity to be determined in line with Public Health Orders.
Troy Dodds is Parra News' Managing Editor and Breaking News Reporter. He has more than 20 years experience as a journalist, working with some of Australia’s leading media organisations. In 2023, he was named Editor of the Year at the Mumbrella Publish Awards.