New Zealand has been nominated as the Oceania Football Confederation's representative for next year's FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup in India.

This decision was taken by the confederation's Executive Committee after the coronavirus pandemic forced the cancellation of the OFC U-17 Women’s Championship, which had been due to take place in April of this year.

New Zealand has won the past four previous editions of that tournament and has also performed strongly at the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup itself, finishing third at Uruguay 2018.

“We understand this is a deeply disappointing situation for all of the players, coaches and officials involved but the health and safety of the Pacific football community remains our top priority,” OFC General Secretary Franck Castillo said. 

“We want to provide the team who will represent OFC with the best chance to prepare for next year’s FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in India.”

New Zealand, who hosted the inaugural edition of the U-17 Women's World Cup in 2008, is the fourth side confirmed for next year's event after Japan, Korea DPR and, of course, India themselves.

The rescheduled global finals will take place between 17 February and 7 March 2021.

Article added: Monday 08 June 2020