Stadium Gets Stamp of Approval From FIFA Inspection Team

FIFA’s iconic U-20 World Cup Trophy will travel through the South in May

Dunedin (Monday, 10 March 2014) - Some of the most senior officials at football’s world governing body, FIFA, have been in Dunedin today to inspect venues for the FIFA U-20 World Cup New Zealand 2015 tournament and give them the seal of approval.

To coincide with their visit, the Local Organising Committee (LOC) of FIFA’s second largest global tournament unveiled the venues for a nationwide trophy tour. The tour will begin in Northland on 5 May 2014 and conclude on 30 May 2014 - one year before the tournament kicks off and the world’s greatest young footballers descend on New Zealand.

The trophy will tour South Canterbury, Otago and Southland from 20 to 23 May and be showcased at a wide range of community, school and sporting events.

FIFA representatives arrived in Dunedin last night. While in the city they have had a tour of the Otago Stadium, which is where the Dunedin games will be played, and inspected training venues.

Football South Chairman Matthew Holdridge said, “We are thrilled to welcome the FIFA and LOC delegation to our city. This visit represents a real milestone in our preparation as we lead up to the 2015 U-20 World Cup.”

After completing a tour of the Stadium, FIFA’s Head of Olympics, FCWC and FIFA U-20 World Cup, Marion Mayer-Vorfelder said, “We have been hugely impressed with Otago Stadium and with the preparations which have been made already for the FIFA U-20 World Cup. We feel confident that this facility will be a fantastic arena to showcase the very best young talent that our sport has to offer.”

LOC Chief Executive Dave Beeche said, “We’re delighted to be working with Dunedin to bring the biggest game in the world to town in 2015. Given the level of enthusiasm for the tournament in Dunedin, we are urging fans to get in early to purchase tickets when they go on sale next month.”

Mayor of Dunedin Dave Cull said, “We are very much looking forward to the calibre of players who will be part of this tournament. As a city of students, we can create a very vibrant atmosphere and we are looking forward to having the teams here.

“Our previous experience putting on the Rugby World Cup means we know how to put on a great party!”

The FIFA U-20 World Cup New Zealand 2015 is the largest football tournament ever staged in this country. It will take place over three weeks from 30 May 2015 to 20 June 2015, with 24 countries participating. A total of 52 matches will be played in seven host cities – Whangarei, Auckland, Hamilton, New Plymouth, Wellington, Christchurch and Dunedin. An audience of more than 500,000 is expected to attend the event.

For further details about the World Cup www.dunedin.govt.nz/fifa.

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