Matildas Bank Holiday: NSW Premier confirms day off if they win World Cup

NSW Prime Minister Chris Minns has promised to institute a holiday in honor of the Matildas’ if they win the FIFA Women’s World Cup.

The Matildas secured their place in the FIFA Women’s World Cup semi-finals by beating France (0-0) 7-6 on Saturday night.

On Monday, NSW Premier Chris Minns said if the Matildas are going to win the World Cup, the state will push for a holiday.

“If the Matildas win the semi-final and then win the World Cup final, yes, we’re aiming for a holiday in NSW,” Mr Minns told Ben Fordham on 2GB.

“Not just to celebrate the win, but to hold a massive civic celebration and allow the Matildas to celebrate with the people of Sydney in what would be an amazing life-changing and incredible event in the history of the state .’

The Prime Minister has clarified that the Monday following the World Cup final cannot be designated as a public holiday due to existing processes regarding holiday rules.

However, Mr Minns said the holiday would be “within a week” of the victory.

“No, you have seven days to declare a public holiday in NSW,” Mr Minns said.

“Of course we want to make sure we’re in a situation where there’s enough time, especially for young people, for young girls to come and celebrate a huge win.

“It wouldn’t be on track, it would be in a week.”

The push for a holiday to celebrate a World Cup victory has drawn criticism, with many claiming it would be a major economic loss to the state.

Mr Minns argued that the holiday would bring an ‘explosion of economic activity’ to the city if granted.

“If we did it in Sydney for a big holiday and a massive ticket parade, can you imagine the energy, economic excitement,” Mr Minns said.

“It could be an explosion of economic activity, especially in the CBD,” Mr Minns said.

The penalty shootout between Australia and France was the longest in the tournament’s history.

Concerned fans watched as Mackenzie Arnold saved three goals before Cortnee Vine kicked the winner to clinch the quarterfinal victory for 49,461 screaming fans in green and gold at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane.

The ecstatic fans were joined by the millions glued to screens in pubs, clubs, parks and festivals and other public venues across the country.

The match also became Australia’s biggest ratings hit in over two decades.

The Seven Network, the tournament’s free-to-air broadcaster, said a peak audience of 7.2 million people registered for the penalty shootout win.

Cathy Freeman’s iconic 400m final at the Sydney Olympics reportedly drew a record 8.8 million viewers, though OZTam records were not kept in 2000.

An average of 4.17 million people tuned into the quarterfinals on the Seven Network, which it says enjoyed a record 472,000 viewers streaming the game on its digital arm 7Plus.

The Matildas will play against England in the semi-final at Stadium Australia in Sydney on Wednesday.