Regarding the status of the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™ qualifying match between New Zealand and Fiji scheduled to be played at
North Harbour Stadium, Auckland on Saturday, 13 October 2007. 

FIFA has advised they are disappointed with the decision of the New Zealand Government not to issue a visa for the Fiji goalkeeper, Mr.
Simione Tamanisau. As it appears, the above-mentioned player has been denied his right to a visa to be a part of his national team for the important 1st
leg match on 13 October 2007. 

FIFA considers this matter of fact to be inconsistent with the worldwide practice of providing visas for visiting teams, whose only
objective is to play a football match for qualification to the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™. I

n view of the refusal of visa, FIFA wishes to confirm that they will not allow the match to take place in New Zealand without the said
player being available to participate. This morning (Friday, 12 October 2007) FIFA gave the New Zealand Government a further opportunity to reconsider its position
regarding the issue of a visa for Mr. Tamanisau and earlier today OFC was advised through New Zealand Football that the New Zealand Government has once again declined a visa for Mr.
Tamanisau. 

As a result of this decision by the New Zealand Government, OFC wishes to advise on behalf of FIFA that the 2010 FIFA World Cup South
Africa™ qualifying match between New Zealand and Fiji will not take place at North Harbour Stadium, Auckland on Saturday, 13 October 2007. 

The status of this match will now be referred to the Organizing Committee for the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™, but our indications
are that the match could be played at a later date at a neutral venue or alternatively return to New Zealand should the New Zealand Government change its
position. 

Football is truly a global game and to have a match involving political interference would set a bad precedent and therefore FIFA as
custodians of the sport have taken this decision. OFC would like to take this opportunity to thank Mr. Graham Seatter and New Zealand Football for all the hard work
undertaken to secure visas for the majority of the Fiji delegation, for their efforts to persuade the New Zealand Government to resolve this issue, and more particularly, to explain to the
implications for New Zealand Football and the football family of New Zealand if the match did not take place.

In fact, OFC would like to note the cooperation and constant communication between New Zealand Football, Fiji Football Association
and FIFA in trying to resolve this issue. 

Furthermore, OFC would like to thank the national teams of New Zealand and Fiji for their professionalism and commitment towards their
preparation for the match, and OFC has no doubt that all players, officials and fans will be disappointed with this news.   The match scheduled for
Wednesday, 17 October 2007 to be played at Churchill Park, Lautoka, Fiji will go ahead as scheduled.