The matches will now be scheduled as followed:
American Samoa vs. Solomon Islands
POSTPONED UNTIL 21 MARCH, TIME & VENUE TBC
Tonga vs. New Zealand
2:00pm TODAY, VENUE TBC
Fiji vs. Vanuatu
4:00pm TODAY, VENUE TBC
A venue announcement for today’s first match between Tonga and New Zealand will be made at 12:00pm with the options of Owen Delany Park or nearby Crown Park, off Crown Road, depending on wind conditions.
The venue for today’s second match will be announced by 2:00pm at the latest while the time and venue for tomorrow’s postponed match will be confirmed in due course. The decision to postpone American Samoa vs. Solomon Islands was made since the result has no bearing on the overall competition.
The kick-off times for the Tonga vs. New Zealand and Fiji vs. Vanuatu have been adjusted to ensure there is enough daylight hours. Power cuts have been reported across Taupo meaning stadium lighting is not guaranteed.
OFC announced the changes after an emergency meeting was held this morning involving all major stakeholders including FIFA, OFC, NZ Football, the Taupo District Council and stadium staff.
Safety to players, match officials and the general public was paramount in the decision, made under the authority of article 2 of the FIFA Olympic Football Tournament Regulations.
High winds of up to 80 km/hr have resulted in damage to stadium signage, scaffolding and the satellite dish, meaning there will be no television broadcasts or live streaming of today’s matches.

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