NZ v Fiji called off by FIFA
Tomorrow's Oceania Zone soccer World Cup first leg qualifying match between New Zealand and Fiji at North Harbour has been called off.
The decision was announced by the Oceania Football Confederation at a press conference in Auckland today.
The match had been under a cloud since the New Zealand Government declined to issue a visa to goalkeeper Simione Tamanisau.
He was the only Fijian player to be denied an entry visa.
New Zealand has imposed strict sanctions on its Pacific island neighbour following the military coup in Fiji, including banning entry to anyone with military connections.
Tamanisau's father-in-law is in the Fijian military.
The match is likely to be rescheduled and played at a neutral venue.
I'm too farked off right now to put my feelings into words about this.
- and my sympathies go to Killen and any others who had to fly thousands of miles for the game.
They must be really gutted (and I wonder if they will get released for the re-scheduled date?)
They must be really gutted (and I wonder if they will get released for the re-scheduled date?)
WINSTON PETERS - What a Plonker
Poor News. Where are you? Taupo Hamilton?
Hamiltron. Just changed my flights from Auckland Sunday AM to Hamilton 20:05 this evening.
Chris Killen, would like to be the Pheonix marquee player for the weekend?
Foreign Minister Winston Peters says FIFA has made an unjust decision in postponing the Football World Cup qualifier between the All Whites and Fiji in Auckland.
Tomorrow's match will not go ahead following a complaint from Fijian football authorities, after their goalkeeper Simione Tamanisau was denied a visa, as his father in law is in the Fijian military. New Zealand banned entrance to all members of Fiji's military and their families following last December's coup.
Foreign Minister Winston Peters says he is deeply disappointed the match will not go ahead.
"FIFA's decision to cancel the match is very disappointing, and is a complete U-turn by them. Football New Zealand was assured just a couple of days ago that the game would be played as scheduled."
Mr Peters says no one has the right to a visa. He says entry to another country is a privilege, and all countries retain the right to exclude individuals in accordance with their immigration policy. Mr Peters says sporting bodies do not determine those policies.
"I offered to explain New Zealand's policy on Fiji directly to FIFA president Sepp Blatter. However my office was told that Blatter was unavailable."
Mr Peters says the Government is looking at what assistance it can offer New Zealand Football, which will be adversely affected by FIFA's "unjust" decision.
Chris Killen, would like to be the Pheonix marquee player for the weekend?
Not sure Gordon Strachan will be to happy with that !
Apparently back in Glasgow the news has filterd through that a coo has wandered onto the park injuring the Fijian keeper !!
The Chinese Naval Band was playing in Civic Square at lunchtime - very good - bit disconcerting wer e the casually dressed people of 'asian' appearance taking pictures of the crowd (all 20 of us - 60% asian)
I doubt it.
How can someone who is not married have a father-in-law
It means that the NZ government's decision to deny a visa on the family members in the military reason is spurious.
Come to think of it - when are the in-laws 'family'?
I'm thinking of doing a Joel Griffiths to that linesman Winston Peters.
A$$burgers. Funny how they made an exception for the Fijian 7's team earlier in the year, but are quite happy to f*ck up our chances of qualifying for the real World Cup.