Among the leading figures in attendance at the press conference, held in Toronto, were FIFA President Joseph S. Blatter, Deputy Chairwoman of the Organising Committee and FIFA Executive Committee member Lydia Nsekera, Chairman of the National Organising Committee and President of the Canadian Soccer Association Victor Montagliani and CEO of the National Organising Committee for the FIFA Women’s World Cup Canada 2015 Peter Montopoli.
Blatter spoke first stating that from today, and for the entire year that follows, Canada will be the nerve centre of women’s football.
“This event is not a test or a dress rehearsal, but it could be an indication that Canada is ready to welcome 24 teams, having only hosted 16-team tournaments up to this point.”
The FIFA Women’s World Cup, which will be hosted by Canada in 2015, is the first-ever 24-team FIFA Women’s World Cup.
As Chairman of the Organising Committee, Chung was pleased to tell the gathered press that the four venues; Toronto, Montreal, Moncton and Edmonton, were more than ready for the tournament to get underway today.
“I’m pleased to announce that the seventh edition of the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Canada is prepared for kick-off,” he said.
“A total of 32 matches will be played to decide which team will succeed the current champions USA. This tournament will definitely unveil future talents and I’m looking forward to a wonderful and exciting tournament.”
The press conference was also an opportunity for Blatter to address access to football for women.
“What we want is for anyone and everyone, all around the world, to have the chance to play the game. On this note, we are holding the 2016 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Jordan, in the heart of the Arab world,” he relayed.
“I am sure that the example set by playing the tournament there will help women in that part of the world gain the same rights, where football is concerned, as their male counterparts.”
For Montagliani, the chance to host such a prestigous event is an honour and a privilege he believes Canada is more than ready for.
“This World Cup will be a showcase for the future of women’s football and a prelude to next year’s big event, the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2015,” he states.
“As a lot of people are aware, our stock is very high when it comes to successfully hosting FIFA tournaments in the past, such as the 2007 U-20 World Cup and the very first U-19 Women’s World Championship in 2002. The country was galvanised to such an extent [in 2002] that almost 48,000 people turned out to watch the final.
“That tournament was a launch pad for a number of players currently in Canada’s women’s national team such as Christine Sinclair, Erin McLeod and Diana Matheson, as well as for the likes of [Brazilian star and five-time FIFA Women’s World Player of the Year] Marta. This is another opportunity for Canada to introduce the rising stars of women’s football.”
The FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup got underway with Group A and Group B opening proceedings. Oceania representatives New Zealand get their campaign started tomorrow (NZT) against Group D opponent Paraguay at Olympic Stadium in Montreal.