World Cup opener will go ahead as planned

Photo: Supplied: FIFA

The opening match of the Football World Cup will still go ahead despite today’s shooting in Auckland.

New Zealand kick off the tournament against Norway at Eden Park tonight.

The police have confirmed three people have died in a shooting at a construction site in Auckland’s CBD this morning.

Prime Minister Chris Hipkins said they have spoken with FIFA officials and the tournament will go ahead.

“There is no wider national security threat. This appears to be the actions of one individual,” he said.

New Zealand Football says the shooting won’t affect the Football Ferns plans for today and all the players are safe with their hotel some way away from the incident.

Sports minister Grant Robertson has confirmed all the other teams staying in central Auckland are also safe and sound.

He said teams will be able to train this afternoon and go about their business as usual.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino.
Photo: AFP

Grant Robertson said FIFA president Gianni Infantino who has passed on his condolensces to those affected by the shooting and reaffirmed tonight’s game between New Zealand and Norway along with the rest of the tournament will go ahead as scheduled.

Eden Park Trust chief executive Nick Sautner said there will be an increased police presence at the ground for the opening match.

-RNZ