The FIFA U-20 World Cup will be held in New Zealand in 2015 after the country won the hosting rights this year. When Egypt (2009) and Canada (2007) hosted the tournament, world-wide television audiences were calculated as being in excess of 300 million and 450 million respectively.
The cities which expressed interest in hearing about the possibility of hosting the tournament were Auckland, Christchurch, Dunedin, Hamilton, Invercargill, Napier, Nelson, New Plymouth, Palmerston North, Rotorua, Wellington and Whangarei.
New Zealand Football hosted a launch function at Wellington’s Westpac Stadium for representatives of the cities and handed out documents requesting proposals from the councils. Cities who wish to bid for hosting rights were asked to respond with their proposals by November 30 this year.
It is likely at least six cities and possibly up to eight will be awarded hosting rights next year.
Van Hattum says FIFA regards the tournament as its second-most important event, after the senior men’s World Cup.
“This will be a rare opportunity for New Zealand to see up close such an array of talented young footballers from all parts of the world,” he says.
The NZF chairman believes FIFA U-20 World Cup 2015 is a significant event for any New Zealand organisation with an interest in tourism or trade.
“Among the huge television audiences watching from abroad will be many millions in South America and Asia, as well as in Europe.”
Van Hattum says New Zealand Football is looking to put in place commercial arrangements that would benefit the councils, the nation and the game of football.
“FIFA and New Zealand Football wish this to be a magnificent marketing opportunity for the game and for this country. Our objective is to show Kiwis and the world what a great game football is, what a vibrant occasion we can create in this country and what a great destination New Zealand is,” he says.
“The cities involved will have an opportunity to showcase their attractions to massive television audiences and to the overseas visitors who come here.’’
Story courtesy of New Zealand Football.
For more on New Zealand football go to www.nzfootball.co.nz