- The 2023 Women’s World Cup is set to kick off today, 20th July 2023 in Newzealand and Australia
- The opening match is scheduled for co-hosts New Zealand against Norway
- A shooting incident in Auckland had raised fears of the match being postponed
FIFA has announced that the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup opening match in Auckland will proceed as scheduled despite a shooting incident in the city’s central business district that resulted in three fatalities. Co-hosts New Zealand are set to face Norway at Eden Park tonight, with the kickoff slated for 1000hrs EAT.
According to the New Zealand Police, the incident was deemed an “isolated incident” and not a national security risk, allowing FIFA to make the decision to continue with the match. Following consultation with New Zealand authorities and the participating teams, FIFA confirmed that players and staff from both teams are safe.
In a statement, FIFA extended their deepest condolences to the families and friends of the victims who lost their lives in the tragic incident. The organization also expressed sympathy for those who were injured. President Gianni Infantino and FIFA Secretary-General Fatma Samoura immediately communicated with the Aotearoa New Zealand authorities after the incident. They assured the public that this isolated event was unrelated to football operations and that the opening match at Eden Park would proceed as planned.
FIFA has insisted the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup will go on as planned despite the shooting incident in Auckland, New Zealand. | PHOTO: AP |
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The New Zealand Police revealed that, in addition to the three fatalities, including the presumed male offender, one officer and four members of the public sustained injuries during the incident, which took place at a building under construction in the lower Queen Street area.
New Zealand Prime Minister Chris Hipkins addressed the situation and confirmed that the tournament would proceed as planned, emphasizing that the police had neutralized the threat and were not seeking any additional suspects.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino expressed appreciation for the collaboration with New Zealand authorities and the reassurances received regarding the safety and security of the participating teams and fans at the FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Both the Norwegian and New Zealand teams assured the public that their players and staff were safe. Norway’s team hotel was located near the site of the shooting, but they remained calm and continued their preparations for the match with the support of FIFA’s security measures.
Other national teams, including the United States and the Philippines, confirmed that their delegation members were accounted for and safe.
Despite the tragic incident, preparations for the opening match at Eden Park will continue as planned. FIFA announced that a minute of silence will be observed before both matches on Thursday to honour the victims.
Eden Park Trust expressed its condolences to the families of the victims and acknowledged the impact on services and staffing due to the incident.
In conclusion, FIFA and the New Zealand authorities have taken all necessary precautions to ensure the safety of players, staff, and fans during the Women’s World Cup, affirming their commitment to proceeding with the tournament as planned.
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