2019 Women's World Cup: New Zealand retracts bid to host competition

New Zealand will not submit a bid to host the 2019 Women's World Cup, said Andy Martin, chief executive of NZF (New Zealand Football), on 25/06/2014. "After making a detailed financial assessment regarding the impact of hosting this major event on the football calendar, we concluded that the 2019 event will come too soon for us," he said.

New Zealand had expressed interest in hosting the tournament in May 2014.

England also announced that it would not be a candidate, on 23/06/2014. "Expressions of interest were lodged to gain a wider understanding of the bidding process and the benefits associated with the tournaments," said the FA (Football Association).

Three countries remain in the race to host the 2019 Women's World Cup: France, which announced its bid on 25/04/2014; South Korea, which announced on 10/05/2014; and South Africa, which announced on 13/03/2014.

The final candidacies must be submitted to FIFA (Fédération Internationale de Football Association) before 31/10/2014. The final decision will be made during the first 2015 meeting of the executive committee of FIFA.

• The 2015…