The start of the Women’s World Cup has not been delayed as result of a fatal shooting in Auckland (Picture: Getty)
FIFA has confirmed the Women’s World Cup opener in Auckland will ‘proceed as planned’ after a shooting in the city’s central business district on Thursday morning left three people dead.
Co-hosts New Zealand are set to play Norway at Eden Park this evening with kick-off scheduled for 08.00 BST.
New Zealand Police said they have contained what they believe was an ‘isolated incident” and “not a national security risk;.
A FIFA statement revealed the decision was made to move forward with the match after consulting with New Zealand authorities and the participating teams, who have both confirmed players and staff are safe.
The FIFA release read: ‘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.
‘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.’
New Zealand Police on Thursday morning shared via their official Twitter account that in addition to the three deceased – among them the person they believe to be the male offender – an officer and four members of the public were injured in the incident which took place at a building under construction in the lower Queen Street area.
New Zealand Prime Minister Chris Hipkins also addressed the match, telling a press conference: “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.
‘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.’
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.’
MORE : Two dead following deadly shooting in Auckland hours before Women’s World Cup
MORE : Police hunt gunman as one feared dead near Women’s World Cup hotel
For more stories like this, check our sport page.
Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
New Zealand and Norway are set to get the tournament underway.
