FIFA grants request from Australia and New Zealand to have First Nations flags flown at Women’s World Cup

Football Australia’s values of “diversity” and “inclusion” will be highlighted by the flying of First Nations flags at World Cup stadiums.

The Torres Strait Islander flag, the Australian Aboriginal flag, and the Australian national flag will all at FIFA Women’s World Cup games in Australia. Picture: Boni Holmes

FIFA has given its approval for First Nations flags to fly at Women’s World Cup stadiums in Australia and New Zealand.

For the 35 World Cup matches being played in Australia, the Australian national flag, the Australian Aboriginal flag, and the Torres Strait Islander flag will be on display.

There will be a similar theme at the 29 tournament games in New Zealand, where the national Maori flag, known as Tino Rangatiratanga, and the New Zealand national flag will be flown.

Football Australia chief executive James Johnson was grateful to FIFA for supporting the flag request from the sport’s governing bodies of the tournament co-hosts.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino has supported the flying of First Nations flags at Women’s World Cup stadiums. Picture: Fabrice Coffrini / AFP

“This decision aligns with the values of our organisation with diversity and inclusion at the core of what we are about as a governing body and our vision for the tournament,” Johnson said.

“It follows the establishment of our National Indigenous Advisory Group, Reconciliation Action Plan, and support for the Voice to parliament and is an important moment for Football Australia.

“This joint request received the backing from both federal governments, and we would like to thank the Australian Sports Minister and the Indigenous Affairs Minister who were both strong advocates for this initiative for their support.”

New Zealand Football chief executive officer Andrew Pragnell said: “Flying Tino Rangatiratanga at the tournament alongside the official country flag is a powerful symbol, reflecting the partnership between the Crown and Maori that is the foundation of this country.”

FIFA president Gianni Infantino said: “These significant flags express a spirit of mutual respect, national identity, and recognition of Indigenous cultures for our hosts.”

Originally published as FIFA grants request from Australia and New Zealand to have First Nations flags flown at Women’s World Cup