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IFA has announced the appointment of two chief operating officers (COO) for the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 in Australia and New Zealand.
After they both helped to lead the FIFA Women’s World Cup bid from their respective countries, Jane Fernandez has been named COO for Australia, while Jane Patterson has been named COO for New Zealand.
Before commencing as the head of the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 Office (Australia), Fernandez was the head of sport for the Australian Olympic Committee and tournament director of the AFC Asian Cup 2015.
For her New Zealand counterpart, Patterson has worked across sports events throughout New Zealand, Australia, and the UK, leading up to her role as project director for the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023.
FIFA secretary general, Fatma Samoura, said of the appointments: “Today’s announcement adds to the excitement around the ninth edition of the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023.”
“We are delighted to welcome Jane Patterson and Jane Fernandez on board as chief operating officers for the competition.
“Their skill, experience in leading multi-talented teams and passion for football will be key to ensuring the delivery of the FIFA Women’s World Cup at the highest level,” Samoura said.
In their roles, the new COOs will work to oversee all operational aspects of the World Cup in Australia and New Zealand as it becomes the first time in FIFA’s history the event will be co-hosted across two confederations, with the number of participating teams also increasing from 24 to 32.
Football Australia CEO, James Johnson, said Fernandez will play a vital role in the running of the 2023 Women’s World Cup.
“We are delighted that Jane Fernandez has been appointed to this prestigious and important position, and that her vast knowledge and skillset will continue to be utilised by FIFA for the biggest sporting event to be held on Australian soil since Sydney 2000,” Johnson said.
As part of the announcement, FIFA confirmed recruitment has begun for the CEO role of the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 in Australia and New Zealand, with details posted on the websites of FIFA, Football Australia, and New Zealand Football.