Aboriginal and Maori flags will be flown in Australia and New Zealand

Organizers said on Friday that flags representing Aboriginal and Maori peoples will be flown at the Women’s World Cup matches in Australia and New Zealand (July 20-August 20).

James Johnson, president of the FA, said: “FIFA’s confirmation that all Australian flags will be flown at the World Cup is an important moment for all Australians, especially First Nations people.”

“This decision is in line with the values ​​of diversity and inclusion that our organization carries within it, and is in line with our vision for the tournament,” he added.

His counterpart from the New Zealand Federation, Andrew Pragnell, also welcomed the measure, saying it would serve as a model for subsequent editions in “recognizing the rights of indigenous peoples everywhere in the world”.

“These flags express the desire for mutual respect, national identity and recognition of the indigenous cultures of our hosts,” FIFA President Gianni Infantino said in a statement.

In Australia, the Aboriginal flag will fly alongside the national flag during the 35 matches to be played in the country. It will be the same for the Maori flag during the 29 meetings planned in New Zealand.