By David Gold
July 29 – Twelve cities have been invited by Frank van Hattum (pictured), the chairman of New Zealand football, to host the FIFA Under-20 World Cup in 2015.
Auckland, Christchurch, Dunedin, Hamilton, Invercargill, Napier, Nelson, New Plymouth, Palmerston North, Rotorua, Wellington and Whangarei are now all in the running to host games during the tournament, with interested cities needing to respond with proposals by the end of November after being given documents detailing the requirements.
Hattum said that FIFA sees the tournament as the second most important competition after the senior men’s World Cup, and added: “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.
“Among the huge television audiences watching from abroad will be many millions in South America and Asia, as well as in Europe.
“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.”
Ghana are the current holders of the tournament, and will defend their title at the 2011 contest, which is underway in Colombia.
The 2013 competition is set to be held in Turkey.
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