FIFA Women’s World Cup to proceed as planned after Auckland shooting

Norway’s players were awoken by police helicopters on the morning of their FIFA Women’s World Cup opener against the Football Ferns but say they felt “safe the whole time” after a shooting took place at a construction site near their team hotel.

Multiple shots were fired and police confirmed that three people have died, including the male offender, who Stuff understands was a 24-year-old gunman.

New Zealand Prime Minister Chris Hipkins said there was no ongoing risk and the World Cup would proceed as planned.

“Clearly with the FIFA World Cup kicking off this evening there are a lot of eyes on Auckland. The Government has spoken to FIFA organisers this morning and the tournament will proceed as planned,” Hipkins said.

“I want to reiterate that there is no wider national security threat. This appears to be the actions of one individual. Aucklanders, and people watching around the world, can be assured that police have neutralised the threat.”

In a statement, Norway captain Maren Mjelde said team heard the police arrive on the scene but it was only when they saw the news on New Zealand media websites that they understood the gravity of the situation.

Norway play the Football Ferns in the opening game of the World Cup at Eden Park on Thursday night.

Mjelde, a centre-back who plays for English champions Chelsea, did not anticipate the incident would cause any disruption to Norway’s preparations for their big match against the co-hosts.

The game is expected to be played in front of 43,000 people – a record attendance for a football match in New Zealand.

“Everyone probably woke up quite quickly when the helicopter hovered outside the hotel window and a large number of emergency vehicles arrived,” Mjelde said in a statement.

“At first we didn’t know what was going on, but eventually there were updates on TV and the local media. We felt safe the whole time.

“FIFA has a good security system at the hotel, and we have our own security officer in the squad.

“Everyone seems calm and we are preparing as normal for the game tonight. Then we may have to adapt if there are any instructions from the authorities.”

Asked if there would be any disruption to planned FIFA events on Thursday, Hipkins said: “We have been in regular contact with FIFA. They are proceeding as planned. There will be an increased police presence, obviously, around Auckland to provide public reassurance but the police have indicated they do not think there is an ongoing security or safety risk.”

Hipkins is scheduled to attend the opening match but he said he would be keeping his attendance “under review”.

New Zealand Football said they were “shocked” by the incident and confirmed all of the Football Ferns team and staff were safe.

“We can confirm that all of the Football Ferns team and staff are safe but we will not be able to comment further while details are still emerging. Please refer to New Zealand Police for further information,” NZ Football said in a statement.