Women’s World Cup to continue as planned despite shooting that left two dead
Women's World Cup will go ahead despite tragic New Zealand shooting
PA
FIFA has given the go-ahead for the Women's World Cup opener in Auckland, New Zealand to proceed as planned, despite a tragic shooting incident in the city's central business district that resulted in two fatalities and six injuries.
The gunman also died at a construction site close to a hotel where Team Norway have been staying and is unclear as of now if he killed himself or was shot down by the police.
Norway’s team confirmed the safety of their players and staff prior to their match with co-hosts New Zealand at Eden Park this morning.
In the wake of the incident, New Zealand Football tweeted: “New Zealand Football are shocked by the incident in Auckland CBD this morning.
New Zealand Prime Minister Chris Hipkins has been saddened ahead of Women's World Cup
PA
“We can confirm that all of the Football Ferns team and staff are safe, but we will not be able to comment further while details are still emerging.
“Please refer to New Zealand Police for further information. Preparations for the game tonight at Eden Park will continue as planned.”
New Zealand Prime Minister Chris Hipkins, meanwhile, said the attack was not being seen as an act of terrorism but as an isolated incident.
"Clearly with the FIFA World Cup kicking off this evening, there are a lot of eyes on Auckland,” he told reporters.
"The government has spoken to FIFA organizers this morning and the tournament will proceed as planned. I want to reiterate that there is no wider national security threat, this appears to be the action of one individual."
“Aucklanders and those watching around the world can be assured that the police have neutralised the threat and they are not seeking anybody else in relation to the incident.
“New Zealanders safety and the safety of our visitors is our first priority.
“We have been in regular contact with FIFA, they are proceeding as planned, there will be an increased police presence obviously around Auckland to provide public reassurance, but the police have indicated that they don’t think there is an ongoing security or safety risk.”
FIFA President Gianni Infantino and the Secretary-General Fatma Samoura have also expressed their condolences to the families and friends of the victims and those injured.
The FIFA release reads: “FIFA extends its deepest condolences to the families and friends of the victims who lost their lives following the incident which occurred this morning in Auckland/Tamaki Makaurau, Aotearoa New Zealand, and our thoughts and prayers remain with those who have been injured in this tragic incident.
“Immediately following the incident, President Gianni Infantino and FIFA Secretary-General Fatma Samoura were in communication with the Aotearoa New Zealand authorities.
"FIFA has also been in constant contact with the participating teams affected by this incident.
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“FIFA has been informed that this was an isolated incident that was not related to football operations and the opening match tonight at Eden Park will proceed as planned.
“The opening hours of the FIFA Fan Festival in Auckland/Tamaki Makaurau city centre will be confirmed in due course. The participating teams in close proximity to this incident are being supported in relation to any impact that may have taken place.”