Women’s World Cup to ‘proceed as planned’ after shooting in Auckland

The Women’s World Cup will ‘proceed as planned’ following a shooting in Auckland, just hours before the city stages the first game of the tournament.

Ahead of the opening match between hosts New Zealand and opponents Norway in Auckland, a gunman was reportedly found dead after killing two people and injuring multiple others in the city on Thursday (20 July). The shooting took place at a building site in Auckland city centre.

New Zealand’s prime minister Chris Hipkins said: “Clearly with the Fifa World Cup kicking off this evening, there are a lot of eyes on Auckland. The government has spoken to Fifa organisers this morning, and the tournament will proceed as planned.

“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.

“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.”

The Italy team’s training was delayed, with players unable to leave their hotel, while New Zealand Football issued a statement on social media, writing: “New Zealand Football are shocked by the incident in Auckland CBD this morning.

“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.”

Meanwhile, reigning world champions USA issued the following statement: “Regarding the incident in downtown Auckland, all of our USWNT [US Women’s National Team] players and staff are accounted for and safe. Our security team is in communication with local authorities and we are proceeding with our daily schedule.”

Both teams involved in tonight’s contest have assured the public that their players and staff are safe.

Norway’s team hotel is located about 300-400m from where the shooting took place, but a team spokesperson told the PA news agency that everything is calm in the Norwegian squad and preparations for the match are proceeding as normal.

Captain Maren Mjelde, through a statement, said: “Being informed about the consequences, the Norwegian team’s thoughts are with those affected and their families.

“Everyone probably woke up quite quickly when the helicopter hovered outside our hotel window and a large number of emergency vehicles arrived.

“At first we didn’t know what was going on, but eventually there were updates on TV and the local media. We felt safe the whole time. FIFA has a good security system at the hotel and we have our own security officer in the squad.

“Everyone seems calm and we are preparing as normal for the game tonight, then we may have to adapt if there are any instructions from the authorities.”

The Philippine Women’s National Team also confirmed via social media that all members of their delegation were safe.

A minute’s silence will be held before both opening matches, with Australia hosting the Republic of Ireland later in Sydney, while Fifa said there are “no security concerns” ahead of the opening match of the tournament between New Zealand and Norway.

“We appreciate the collaboration with the New Zealand authorities from the earliest moment of this tragic incident,” Fifa president Gianni Infantino said in a statement.

“We have been involved in ongoing communication from the outset, and we have also received the necessary reassurances from Minister for Sport and Recreation Grant Robertson in relation to the safety and security of the participating teams and fans at the Women’s World Cup in New Zealand.

“Fifa extends its deepest condolences to the families and friends of the victims who lost their lives, and our thoughts and prayers remain with those who have been injured in this tragic incident.”

Robertson said: “This incident is in no way related to the upcoming Women’s World Cup tournament and there are no national security concerns.

“We have provided the necessary assurances about the security of the tournament to Fifa’s leadership this afternoon.

“There is a comprehensive security plan around our hosting of the Women’s World Cup, and we will continue to work with the police who have been part of operational planning group for the tournament, and as such, have plans in place and were well placed to deal with this morning’s incident.”

An Eden Park statement read: “Eden Park Trust extends its deepest condolences to the Whanau of the victims in the incident which took place in Auckland’s CBD this morning.  It is a sad day for Auckland on what should be a day of celebration.

“Eden Park has been working with all relevant agencies regarding this morning’s incident and the impact on services and staffing.”

Includes reporting from PA