New Zealand reach Rio after PNG withdrawal - WOMEN'S OLYMPIC FOOTBALL TOURNAMENT
 |
| FIFA.com |
New Zealand have booked their ticket to the Women's Olympic Football Tournament Rio 2016 after opponents Papua New Guinea pulled out of the second leg of the pair's qualifying tie.
The Football Ferns went into the match with a 7-1 lead from the first game of the OFC qualifying play-off match on Saturday 23 January. The withdrawal is being analysed by the chairman of the FIFA Disciplinary Committee, which will decide on whether further steps or investigation is required.
New Zealand are the seventh team to reach Rio 2016, joining hosts Brazil and Colombia from South America, France and Germany from Europe so far, with Africa being represented by South Africa and Zimbabwe. It is the third successive time the Football Ferns have made it to the Olympics.
“While we’re obviously delighted the Football Ferns will be making the trip to Rio, we’re disappointed (Tuesday's) game will not be going ahead and we won’t get the chance to secure our place on the field in front of our fans,” New Zealand Football CEO Andy Martin said.