Papua New Guinea to Host FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in 2016

PNG to host FIFA U-20 Womens' World Cup.
Photo credit: PNGfootball.com.pg

The eyes of the soccer world will be on Papua New Guinea after it was announced overnight that the nation will host the FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup in 2016.

The Prime Minister, Hon. Peter O'Neill CMG MP, has welcomed the announcement as another example of Papua New Guinea coming of age in many forums.

"Papua New Guinea will proudly host the rising stars of global soccer at our world-class football facilities," the Prime Minister said following the FIFA announcement.

"Being awarded the FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup in 2016 is a major victory for Papua New Guinea as a country that can host world events.

"This is the first time in our history for a major world tournament to be held in Papua New Guinea and it will attract a lot of interest from around the world.

"We have the sporting facilities that are being built for the Pacific Games, as well as other infrastructure. This includes Sir John Guise Stadium and Sir Hubert Murray Stadium, and our stadiums in Lae and Kokopo.

"Games infrastructure will also be used for teams in maintaining their fitness and training during the tournament.

"Papua New Guinea is a country where our people can now aim high to bring events such as this FIFA tournament and the APEC summit in 2018."

The tournament will run over twenty days in November 2016 and will bring around 1,000 players and officials to Papua New Guinea as well as spectators. The Prime Minister said the tournament will also be broadcast around the world to millions of fans.

"The FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup in 2016 will be delivered according to the highest technical standards, alongside a display of Papua New Guinea's hospitality, culture and other tourist attractions."

The Prime Minister has extended congratulations to the Papua New Guinea's soccer community for their hard work in delivering the successful bid.

"I would like to express my appreciation for the work of the President of the Papua New Guinea Football Association, David Chung, for his role in securing the tournament.

"An organizing committee will now be appointed following consultation with President Chung, and Mr Isaac Lupari, the Chairman of National Soccer League, as well as members of the FIFA Governing Council that is responsible for Club Football.

Teams from 16 countries will be take part in the tournament drawn from the 6 confederations that make up global football. These will be four teams of European countries, two teams from Oceania countries including Papua New Guinea, three from the Caribbean and North America, three Asian countries and two from South America and two from Africa.

PM Media Unit