News of the disaster has spread around the world and President Blatter has been quick to offer his sympathies, sending a letter of support to New Zealand Football President Frank Van Hattum and OFC President David Chung.
“I have been following with sadness the news of the terrible tragedy in your country and I would like to express my deep sympathy to the people of New Zealand and the New Zealand Football family,” President Blatter states in the heartfelt letter.
“On behalf of FIFA, I wish to extend our moral support and to let you know that our thoughts are with the many victims, the injured and their families.”
OFC President Chung is based in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea and is currently visiting FIFA headquarters in Zurich, Switzerland. But he has close ties to New Zealand through the Auckland-based OFC secretariat and has been deeply moved by the tragedy.
“The thoughts of the Pacific football family go out to those affected and their families and loved ones,” President Chung says. “Everybody across the Pacific needs to band together and do all we can to help.
“We thank the FIFA President for his words of support during this extremely sad and difficult time.”