The EPL Is Coming Back To Perth, With Tottenham To Play West Ham At Optus In July

Following on from ICON Festival last year, which saw English Premier League teams Crystal Palace, Leeds United, Manchester United and Aston Villa play exhibition matches here, the WA Government has announced a return of the EPL to Perth in 2023.

Optus Stadium will host some Australian exclusive matches, including a showdown between traditional London rivals Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham United on Tuesday 18 July.

West Ham will also play Perth Glory at Optus Stadium a few days before, and all up there’ll be seven matches involving 11 different international teams in just 20 days in Perth, including the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

“Perth is the only place in Australia where you can see English Premier League clubs in action in 2023,” said Tourism Minister Roger Crook at a press conference earlier today. “I am also looking forward to our own Perth Glory matching it with some of the best players in the world.”

“These matches are exclusive to Western Australia and will serve as a fantastic entrée to the FIFA Women’s World Cup,” added Sport and Recreation Minister David Templeman. “Hosting such prestigious football events is great for the grassroots game – kids will be inspired and spurred on to give the game a go themselves.”

According to the WA Government, last year’s ICON Festival had an impact of $77 million, including 4,700 out-of-state visitors to Perth.

Tickets go on sale to the general public on Tuesday 28 March via footballinperth.com.au.

Image Credit: Daniel Njegich