Optus Sport announces complete FIFA Women’s World Cup 2019 broadcast team

Optus Sport has assembled its female-led broadcast team ahead of the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2019, bringing together an incredible list of Australia’s best journalists and football talent.

Respected journalist Melanie McLaughlin will be joining Amy Duggan to host the overnight coverage of all 52 games of the tournament on Optus Sport, with presenter Richard Bayliss leading the live highlights show each morning.

In addition, an impressive group of former Matildas and Socceroos will provide expert analysis across the coverage, joining former Matildas Heather Garriock and Alicia Ferguson in this role.

This includes former captain and FFA Hall of Fame inductee Cheryl Salisbury, as well as current Western Sydney W-League assistant coach Catherine Cannuli, former Canberra united striker Ash Sykes, former Brisbane Roar midfielder Amy Chapman, current Western Sydney Wanderers player Georgia Yeoman-Dale as well as former Melbourne Victory midfielder Tal Karp.  

The former Socceroos joining the team are Mark Schwarzer, John Aloisi, current Western Sydney W-League coach Dean Heffernan and current Sydney FC W-League coach Ante Juric.

Optus Sport is also proud to welcome back Jules Breach, who after hosting coverage of the 2018 FIFA World Cup, will join the crews in France alongside reporters Niav Owens and Michelle Escobar.

“It has been a spectacular year of football on Optus Sport. From the 2018 FIFA World Cup through to the UEFA Champions League, I still can’t quite believe what we witnessed in the semi-finals and we have still got an all-England final to go,” host Mel McLaughlin said.

“It sets things up perfectly for Optus Sport’s coverage of the FIFA Women’s World Cup. I don’t think people realise just how exciting and how massive this tournament is going to be and how lucky we are to be seeing every single minute.

“Add to that, the Matildas are genuine contenders and the whole month is going to feel like Christmas for football fans.

“I’m in awe of the broadcast team that Optus Sport has put together, some of this team I have loved and idolised for years. I’m just so proud to be part of what will be the most comprehensive coverage this country has seen – and what the game and the Matildas deserve.”

Optus Sport is the only place to watch all 52 matches of the FIFA Women’s World Cup tournament live, and the broadcast team will provide extensive match coverage, expert opinion, in-depth analysis and behind the scenes access from France.

“We have declared this FIFA Women’s World Cup will be the most comprehensive coverage Australia has seen, and it is this stellar broadcast team that will bring our coverage together for our viewers,” Optus’ Head of TV and Content Corin Dimopoulos said.

BROADCAST TEAM SUMMARY

Hosts

Amy Duggan, Melanie McLaughlin and Richard Bayliss.

Experts

Heather Garriock, Alicia Ferguson, Cheryl Salisbury, Mark Schwarzer, John Aloisi, Catherine Cannuli, Ash Sykes, Georgia Yeoman-Dale, Amy Chapman, Tal Karp, Dean Heffernan and Ante Juric.

Reporters

Jules Breach, Niav Owens and Michelle Escobar.

Meanwhile, Optus Sport broadcast partners for the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2019 include Nike and Powerade.

2019 FIFA WOMEN’S WORLD CUP

The 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup commences on June 7 (June 8 AEST), when France take on Korea Republic in Paris, and concludes on July 7 (July 8 AEST).

The Matildas, under new Head Coach Ante Milicic, have drawn Group C alongside Italy, Brazil and debutant Jamaica and will play their first match on June 9 (AEST) against Italy.

ABOUT OPTUS SPORT

Customers with an Optus Sport subscription will be able to access:

·         All 52 games of the FIFA Women’s World Cup live and on-demand

·         Preview show and review show produced and delivered live by Optus Sport

·         Mini matches from every match

All the Optus Sport action can be viewed on the big-screen via Fetch, Apple TV, Apple Airplay, Chromecast, Amazon Fire TV or Xbox, or via tablet, mobile, desktop or laptop.

Optus Sport is available as an optional extra on eligible Optus plans for no extra cost. Non-Optus customers, and Optus customers who are ineligible for a monthly subscription at no added cost, may subscribe to Optus Sport for $14.99 per month.  

Media Contact

Tara White
Optus Corporate Affairs
media@optus.com.au
Tel: (02) 8082 7850