Football Ferns games in Panama called off
Updated: 2 hours ago
The Football Ferns two-match series in Panama City vs Panama has been cancelled due to the 7.7 magnitude earthquake recorded in the country on Saturday 10 October NZT.
Some heavy aftershocks have also hit the Central American nation.
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The confirmation comes after the first game, set to be played on Sunday 11 October NZT at Estadio Rommel Fernández Gutiérrez, already had to be cancelled.
Players and staff will immediately look to leave Panama to return home.
A message from head coach Michael Mayne explained the situation in Panama City.
"We were in a team meeting and felt the full effects of the significant earthquake event that occurred here in Panama,” said Football Ferns coach Mayne.
“First and foremost, obviously we want to acknowledge the people most impacted by the earthquake and hope they’re safe and well wherever they are.
“This was a critical tour for our team and one that we’ve planned for and prepared for and we’re really looking forward to coming over and playing two very competitive matches against Panama."
The cancellations leave the Football Ferns without the international match experience Mayne had sought ahead of next year’s FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
The Ferns had a series called off last year in Taiwan due to unsafe pitch conditions.
