Seven to screen Matildas Olympic qualifiers

The Matildas Olympic Games Qualifiers will be broadcast on free to air commercial television for the first time with the Seven signing an agreement with Football Federation Australia (FFA).

Coverage begins on 7mate later this month with a match against Japan, who knocked the Australians out of the World Cup with a 1-0 win in the quarter finals.

Tim Worner, CEO of Seven West Media, commented: “Seven is proud to be bringing the next chapter of Matildas story to all Australians and we’ll be doing that live on any screen.

“Australians have embraced the idea of viewing live sport through apps, as the massive audience during the Australian Open has shown.”

FFA CEO David Gallop said, “This broadcast agreement with the Seven Network is a breakthrough moment for women’s football and due recognition to the deeds of the Matildas at last year’s World Cup.

“FFA is committed to growing women’s football and this is a pleasing sign that the long term strategy we have been undertaking over the last two years with women’s football is starting to bear fruit.

“Over the last two years we have invested a significant amount of resources into women’s football, in particular the Matildas program, and following the on field success at the World Cup, this is a positive sign that we are making headway off the field.

“We thank for the Seven Network for their commitment and look forward to watching the Matildas battle for a place in the Olympic Games.”

Women’s Olympic Football Tournament Rio 2016 – Final Qualification Round

Westfield Matildas v Japan
Monday 29 February 2016
Kincho Stadium, Osaka
Kick-Off: 7:35pm local time (9:35pm AEDT)

Westfield Matildas v Vietnam
Wednesday 2 March 2016
Yanmar Stadium Nagai, Osaka
Kick-Off: 4:35pm local time (6:35pm AEDT)

Korea Republic v Westfield Matildas
Friday 4 March 2016
Yanmar Stadium Nagai, Osaka
Kick-Off: 7:35pm local time (9:35pm AEDT)

DPR Korea v Westfield Matildas
Monday 7 March 2016
Yanmar Stadium Nagai, Osaka
Kick-Off: 7:35pm local time (9:35pm AEDT)

Westfield Matildas v China P.R.
Wednesday 9 March 2016
Yanmar Stadium Nagai, Osaka
Kick-Off: 7:35pm local time (9:35pm AEDT)