Football Federation Australia (FFA) today confirmed that the opening matchday of the inaugural Cup of Nations, featuring the double-header between Argentina and Korea Republic and the Westfield Matildas and New Zealand, has been moved from Jubilee Stadium to Leichhardt Oval due to pitch safety concerns.
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FFA Chief Executive Officer, Mr David Gallop AM, emphasised the need for a high-quality playing surface for the participating teams and players at the inaugural event.
“We have been monitoring the quality of the pitch at Kogarah and unfortunately we are not satisfied that it will meet the standard expected for international football by Thursday,” Gallop said.
“We have a responsibility to players and fans that they will be able to view high quality football.”
The two fixtures will now be held at Leichhardt Oval, with kick-off times unchanged.
All tickets originally purchased for the game at Kogarah will be refunded. Ticketek will contact all customers via e-mail on Monday regarding the refund process.
Recognising the late notice and the inconvenience to those who had already bought tickets for Kogarah, all tickets at Leichhardt Oval will be discounted. New ticket information will go live via Ticketek on Monday, 25 February 2019. Further details will be advised via Westfield Matildas digital and social media channels.
“We encourage fans of the Westfield Matildas across Sydney and beyond to get to Leichhardt Oval for the opening matchday of the Cup of Nations,” Gallop concluded.
2019 Cup of Nations - Match Schedule
Matchday One
Date: Thursday, 28 February 2019
Venue: Leichhardt Oval, Leichhardt (Sydney), New South Wales
Match One: Argentina v Korea Republic - 4.35pm kick-off (AEDT) - Live on FOX SPORTS
Match Two: Westfield Matildas v New Zealand - 7:30pm kick-off (AEDT)
Tickets: Tickets to matchday one of the 2019 Cup of Nations will be available via Ticketek on Monday, 25 February 2019. Further details will be advised via Westfield Matildas digital and social media channels.
Broadcast: LIVE on FOX SPORTS & SBS VICELAND* (please check local guides)
Matchday Two
Date: Sunday, 3 March 2019
Venue: Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane, Queensland
Match One: Argentina v New Zealand - 3.05pm kick-off (AEST); 4.05pm (AEDT)
Match Two: Westfield Matildas v Korea Republic - 6.00pm kick-off (AEST); 7.00pm (AEDT)
Tickets: https://matildas.footballaustralia.com.au/tickets
Broadcast: LIVE on FOX SPORTS, delayed on SBS* (please check local guides)
Matchday Three
Date: Wednesday, 6 March 2019
Venue: AAMI Park, Melbourne, Victoria
Match One: Korea Republic v New Zealand – 3.05pm kick-off (AEDT)
Match Two: Westfield Matildas v Argentina – 6.00pm kick-off (AEDT)
Tickets: https://matildas.footballaustralia.com.au/tickets
Broadcast: LIVE on FOX SPORTS & SBS VICELAND* (please check local guides)
*Westfield Matildas fixtures only
