Zurich, 5 March 2002 - The FIFA Committee for Women's Football discussed in detail the preparations for next year's Women's World Cup in China, as well as the symposium on women's football to be held at the same time as the competition. As at the last Women's World Cup in the United States in 1999, all referees at next year's event will be women.

The committee noted with satisfaction that women coaches were being integrated into the FIFA panel of instructors - and also took note of the fact that there has never been a single case of doping recorded in this fast-growing sector of football.

The Committee for the FIFA U-19 Women's World Championship also met today in Zurich. FIFA President Joseph S. Blatter said that he was "honoured to declare open the first meeting of this new FIFA Committee. In fact, it is the first time that FIFA has organised an U-19 Women's World Championship to be held in Canada (Edmonton, Vancouver, and Victoria) from 17 August to 1 September 2002."

Even before the final tournament has been played, this new FIFA competition is already a success. "More than 100 countries are taking part in the qualifying competition. This is extremely encouraging," remarked the Chairman of the Committee, Per Ravn Omdal (Norway). Details on qualifying matches can be found in the Women's Football section of FIFA.com.

The committee members received a comprehensive report from the Canadian Local Organising Committee. Updates on ticketing and partnerships with the media were particularly impressive.

The committee also decided that the Final Draw, involving the 12 qualified teams, would take place on 13 May 2002 in Zurich.

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FIFA Communications Division
Zurich, 5 March 2002