$1.5m Govt boost for World Cup

$1.5m Govt boost for World Cup

The prospect of New Zealand hosting future FIFA World Cup tournaments is looking promising after an announcement today that the Government will invest $1.5 million into the inaugural FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.

This investment is a contribution to the $11.8 million tournament which will be held in Auckland, Hamilton, Wellington and Christchurch between 28 October and 16 November.

Prime Minister Helen Clark made the announcement at the FIFA Volunteer Training Day at Auckland’s North Harbour Stadium and said the contribution will boost New Zealand’s reputation as a desirable destination for hosting such events.

“By successfully hosting this FIFA World Cup, New Zealand will be well-positioned to bid for other FIFA events. This experience also helps us build the event management capability we need to manage major events," Helen Clark said.

The funding, from the Major Events Development Fund administered by the Ministry of Economic Development, has been welcomed by New Zealand Football Chairman and President of the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup Local Organising Committee Frank van Hattum.

“The continued and increasing support of the New Zealand Government through SPARC and New Zealand Major Events is crucial to the game’s success,” Frank van Hattum said.

“The watching eyes of the football world will see New Zealand’s ability to host world-class events includes tournaments from the realm of the world’s biggest sport, and that can do our chances of hosting future FIFA events in this part of the world no harm.”

The FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup will be one of the biggest women’s sporting events ever to take place in New Zealand. Powered by 1200 volunteers, the tournament will attract around 2500 international visitors and with more than 150 territories holding the broadcasting rights, the estimated television audience is around 125 million.

The tournament kicks off on Tuesday 28 October when hosts New Zealand play Canada in the opening match at North Harbour Stadium.

ENDS

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