S. Korea, DPRK interested in hosting 2023 Women’s World Cup

FIFA says nine soccer federations are interested in hosting the 2023 Women's world Cup including S. Korea, which could jointly bid with the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK).

Brazil and South Africa are in the contest, suggesting underused stadiums built to host the 2014 and 2010 world Cups could be picked.

Other contenders are Argentina, Australia, Bolivia, Colombia, Japan and New Zealand.

S. Korea players concentrate prior a U-17 Women's world Cup game at Estadio Profesor Alberto Suppici on November 21, 2018. /VCG Photo

S. Korean officials said this month that FIFA approached them to explore a joint bid with DPRK. Potential candidates have until April 16 to register to bid, then until October 4 to submit bid books.

FIFA now includes a human rights evaluation when assessing world Cup bidders. The 37-member FIFA Council will pick the host in March next year.

FIFA said in a statement that it will implement "a fair and transparent process, which will include a clear evaluation model as well as a concrete commitment to sustainability and human rights".

The next Women's world Cup will be played June 7-July 7 in France.