HL Deb 11 January 2000 vol 608 c94WA
Baroness Anelay of St Johns

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What representations they have made to Fifa about Fifa's decision to move the next women's association football World Cup from 2003 to 2002, the year scheduled for the holding of the men's World Cup; and what they anticipate will be the consequences of the change of date upon the publicity given to the women's World Cup by the press and broadcasters. [HL373]

Lord McIntosh of Haringey

Neither the Football Association nor the Government have been notified by Fifa of any plans to change the date of the women's World Cup. We share the FA's aim that women's football should be recognised as a sport in its own right and would not wish for any direct comparison to be made of the women's World Cup with other football tournaments, particularly if it would affect the development of the women's game.