Flying Aboriginal and Maori flags during the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023™

The flags of the Aboriginal peoples of Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand will feature in matches at the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023™.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino wrote this week to government officials in the co-host countries to acknowledge their support for his bid Women’s Cultural Committee for the competition So are the Australian Football Association and the New Zealand Football Association.

After recently announcing the Partnership with several United Nations agencies to highlight various social issues during the 2023 Women’s World Cup Today, FIFA is revealing additional initiatives that will be implemented to support Indigenous Peoples in both countries, highlighting the importance of Indigenous and Maori communities, or Tangata when (Earth People), in Aotearoa New Zealand.

The national flag, the Aboriginal flag and the Torres Strait Aboriginal flag will be flown at each of the six stadiums in Australia, as will the Aotearoa flag of New Zealand and the Maori flag (Tinnu Rangatitratanga) in all four New Zealand stadiums.

“FIFA recognizes the role played by the Indigenous communities of Australia and Maori of Aotearoa New Zealand in the organization of the 2023 Women’s World Cup. The establishment of a Women’s Cultural Committee in order to build lasting relationships with Indigenous and Maori communities is an important step forward in the competition, as is the implementation of effective communication and inclusion measures. for all cultural aspects of the competition.

This week during NAIDOC Week in Australia and right before the festivities Matariki In Aotearoa New Zealand, FIFA accepted the request of the Women’s Cultural Committee, Football Association Australia and Football Association New Zealand, with the support of the governments of the two countries. “These important flags demonstrate the spirit of mutual respect, national identity and recognition of indigenous cultures among our hosts,” said Gianni Infantino.

FIFA has taken steps to honor the unique culture and history of both countries in all aspects of the competition. All host cities feature their English name, along with their traditional name, while the brand identity of the 2023 Women’s World Cup reflects the heritage of both countries. The cultures of the Aboriginal and Maori communities will also be honored during the welcome to the teams and on match days, particularly through ceremonies and captain’s armbands.

During the competition, FIFA will unveil other initiatives related to the United Nations International Day of Indigenous Peoples, scheduled for 9 August.

James Johnson, Chief Executive of Football Federation Australia, welcomed FIFA’s decision: “FIFA’s confirmation that all official flags of Australia will be flown at the Women’s World Cup is an important moment for all Australians, especially Indigenous communities. This decision is in keeping with the values ​​of diversity and inclusion that are the cornerstones This joint application has been supported by both federal governments, and we would like to thank the Australian Minister for Sport and the Minister for Indigenous Affairs, who have given strong support to the initiative. This decision means a lot.”

His counterpart from Football Association New Zealand, Andrew Pragnell, also expressed his relief: “Having a Women’s World Cup is an opportunity to contribute to the way this competition will evolve and the way FIFA will interact with the host countries in future editions, particularly in terms of recognizing the rights of indigenous peoples. All over the world Show the Tinnu Rangatitratanga Alongside the country’s official flag, there is a powerful symbol that reflects the partnership between the Crown and Māori, which is the foundation of this country. I would like to thank FIFA for this decision and applaud the work of the New Zealand Government and the Women’s Cultural Committee in the competition in reaching this decision. »

The 2023 Women’s World Cup kicks off on Thursday, July 20, with a match between New Zealand and Norway at Eden Park in Auckland / Tamaki Makurao, followed on the same day by a duel between Australia and the Republic of Ireland at the Australia Stadium in Sydney. / Wanjal.