Seeds and pots announced ahead of Women's World Cup draw

Canada, United States, Germany, Japan, France and Sweden have been named as the six seeds ahead of Women's World Cup draw on 6 December 2014.

The seeds were announced at a press conference which included FIFA Secretary General Jérôme Valcke, Chairwoman of the Committee for Women's Football Lydia Nsekera, Canadian Soccer Association President Victor Montagliani, John Herdman and Christine Sinclair.

World No. 1 USA, two time winners Germany, current holders Japan, World No. 4 France and former finalists Brazil have all been afforded the protection of the seeding system.

World No. 5 and bronze medallists from the 2011 tournament Sweden can feel hard done by after being overlooked as a seed.

Australia has been placed in Pot 3 alongside their AFC counterparts China, Korea Republic and Thailand as well as South American nations Colombia and Ecuador.

Artificial Turf dominates the discussion

Along with the announcement of the pots, Jérôme Valcke also announced an increase in the prize pool from $10 million to $15 million as well as announcing that goal line technology will be used for the first time in a women's tournament.

As was anticipated the issue of artificial turf dominated discussion with Valcke going on the front foot in relation to the issue.

"I am amazed by the size and the scale of the discussion [on artificial turf] and where we are are when it's about artificial pitch," said Valcke.

"Why? Because firstly, we have decided FIFA, and it's part of our statutes and regulations that artificial turf can be used to make sure we can play football everywhere around the world."

He went on to further discredit any notion that FIFA is discriminating against women saying "If anyone is saying the use of artificial turf it is due to discrimination, it is nonsense."

Valcke also stated that the 2019 Women's World Cup, to be held in either France or Korea Republic, will be held on natural grass as the two countries have bid.

The Women's World Cup draw will be held tomorrow, 7 December (Australia time) at 4.00am (AEDT).