Mayor hails FIFA U20 World Cup news

The Mayor is delighted by the announcement that New Zealand will host the 2015 FIFA U20 World Cup.

"Winning the rights to host this event is a fantastic achievement for New Zealand and will bring the country significant opportunities to grow tourism and to accelerate economic development. Auckland looks forward to playing our part and supporting the national tournament."

New Zealand Football announced early this morning that its bid to host the event has been successful. It will bring 24 nations to this country to play 52 matches.

Len Brown says through Auckland Tourism, Events and Economic Development, Auckland has actively supported the bid by New Zealand Football for hosting rights.

"I offer my congratulations to NZ Football for securing the rights to this prestigious event. I know many hours have been spent developing, finalising and presenting our bid to secure this event and the successful result is a tremendous boost for all the people of New Zealand."

The Mayor says a global sporting event of this size offers invaluable opportunities to showcase New Zealand. Television coverage of the event is likely to be viewed in up to 200 countries, with total global audiences likely to top 470 million people.

"Television coverage will highlight our country as a great place to visit and compete, and thousands more football fans from around the world will make the trip to this country to watch the games. We look forward to welcoming them to Auckland and to hosting them here."

The economic benefit of hosting such tournaments runs into millions of dollars and generates a significant boost in employment.

"Rugby World Cup 2011 is going to shine an international light on Auckland. Events like the 2015 FIFA U20 World Cup will build on the reputation we earn. It's another reason we need to be a city of 1.4 million hosts this year"

"We look forward to working with NZ Football and supporting in whatever way possible to make the tournament a great success."

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