New Zealand Football invites cities to host 2015 FIFA Under 20 World Cup

12 New Zealand cities have been invited to bid for the hosting of FIFA Under 20 World Cup games in 2015.

Described by New Zealand Football Chair Frank van Hattum as the second-biggest football tournament in the world, the event will be held in New Zealand in 2015 following the country's successfully securing the hosting rights this year.

When Egypt (2009) and Canada (2007) hosted the tournament, world-wide television audiences were calculated as being in excess of 300 million and 450 million respectively.

The cities which expressed interest in hearing about the possibility of hosting the tournament were Auckland, Christchurch, Dunedin, Hamilton, Invercargill, Napier, Nelson, New Plymouth, Palmerston North, Rotorua, Wellington and Whangarei.
New Zealand Football recently hosted a launch function at Wellington's Westpac Stadium for representatives of the cities and handed out documents requesting proposals from the councils. Cities who wish to bid for hosting rights were asked to respond with their proposals by 30th November 2011.

It is likely at least six cities and possibly up to eight will be awarded hosting rights next year.

Van Hattum said FIFA regards the tournament as its second most important event, after the senior men's World Cup, stating "this will be a rare opportunity for New Zealand to see up close such an array of talented young footballers from all parts of the world."

The NZF Chair said FIFA Under 20 World Cup 2015 is a significant event for any New Zealand organisation with an interest in tourism or trade, adding "among the huge television audiences watching from abroad will be many millions in South America and Asia, as well as in Europe."

Van Hattum said New Zealand Football was looking to put in place commercial arrangements that would benefit the councils, the nation and the game of football.

"FIFA and New Zealand Football wish this to be a magnificent marketing opportunity for the game and for this country.

"Our objective is to show Kiwis and the world what a great game football is, what a vibrant occasion we can create in this country and what a great destination New Zealand is. The cities involved will have an opportunity to showcase their attractions to massive television audiences and to the overseas visitors who come here."

For more information go to www.nzfootball.co.nz

Image: Dunedin's Forsyth Barr Stadium is likley to host FIFA Under 20 World Cup games in 2015.

4th March 2011 - NEW ZEALAND TO HOST FIFA UNDER 20 WORLD CUP IN 2015

17th February 2011 - NEW ZEALAND FOOTBALL SUBMITS BID FOR FIFA UNDER 20 WORLD CUP