FIFA official:'Our hopes came true fully '

Tatjana Haenni, FIFA’s Head of  Women’s competitions gave an interview to website affa.az

- How would you compare the tournament in Azerbaijan with those in New Zealand and Trinidad & Tobago? Does anything stand out that makes Azerbaijan unique/different?

- Never easy to compare, because of so many different aspects. However: First Women’s World Cup in a Muslim country, started from zero and made huge progresses in 2 years. Great case study on how to use a tournament for their own development plans. Women’s Football has grown since the last two U-17 WWC’s and it’s good to see that it’s played all over the world with some new teams here, such as Azerbaijan, China PR, Gambia and Uruguay.
 
- What are your impressions about the organizational efforts of the country for this tournament?

- LOC does a great job and involves the whole country. When you land in Baku you cannot miss the U-17 WWC – it’s visible everywhere. Schools are involved, the Head of State supports the event and WF. One can feel that movement and the dynamics in the country. Amazing to see the infrastructural work done for the new, or almost new and renovated stadiums.
 
- Does the infrastructure put in place and made available for the tournament meet your expectations, such as the stadiums, hotels, and transportation arrangements?

- The expectations are certainly met and facilities such as stadiums will hopefully be part of a great legacy. The country is developing a lot and the standard of the infrastructure is very high. Knowhow transfer to people in the stadiums and venues took place which will also be a legacy.

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