FIFA President Joseph S. Blatter has announced that Germany will stage the 2011 FIFA Women's World Cup following a meeting of the Executive Committee on Tuesday 30 October 2007.

It was a case of 'ladies first' as the FIFA President turned his attentions to the 2011 FIFA Women's World Cup. After praising both Canada and Germany for their bid presentations, Blatter opened the envelope to reveal to the world that Germany would host the event in four years time.

The 2011 Women's World showpiece marks a return to Europe for the tournament hosted by Sweden in 1995 and an opportunity to the Germans to defend their title on home soil.

The news was met with warm applause and broad smiles from Theo Zwanziger (President of the German FA), Birgit Prinz, Fatmire Bajramak and Ursula von der Leyen, the German minister for women and families.

In handing over the FIFA Women's World Cup trophy to the delegation, Blatter said: "With emotion and pleasure, I'm happy to give this trophy back to the DFB and the team that won the trophy this year and in 2003."

Responding, Zwanziger said: "We will organise a World Cup built on Fair Play, respect and recognition. We're proud and grateful to host the FIFA Women's World Cup after the 2006 FIFA World Cup. Germany, the country, its people, government and FA are all looking forward to this event."