FIFA has given its approval for First Nations flags to fly at Women’s World Cup stadiums in Australia and New Zealand.
For the 35 World Cup matches being performed in Australia, the Australian nationwide flag, the Australian Aboriginal flag, and the Torres Strait Islander flag can be on show.
There can be the same theme on the 29 match video games in New Zealand, the place the nationwide Maori flag, referred to as Tino Rangatiratanga, and the New Zealand nationwide flag can be flown.
Football Australia chief govt James Johnson was grateful to FIFA for supporting the flag request from the game’s governing our bodies of the match co-hosts.
“This decision aligns with the values of our organisation with diversity and inclusion at the core of what we are about as a governing body and our vision for the tournament,” Johnson mentioned.
“It follows the establishment of our National Indigenous Advisory Group, Reconciliation Action Plan, and support for the Voice to parliament and is an important moment for Football Australia.
“This joint request received the backing from both federal governments, and we would like to thank the Australian Sports Minister and the Indigenous Affairs Minister who were both strong advocates for this initiative for their support.”
New Zealand Football chief govt officer Andrew Pragnell mentioned: “Flying Tino Rangatiratanga at the tournament alongside the official country flag is a powerful symbol, reflecting the partnership between the Crown and Maori that is the foundation of this country.”
FIFA president Gianni Infantino mentioned: “These significant flags express a spirit of mutual respect, national identity, and recognition of Indigenous cultures for our hosts.”
Source: www.news.com.au
