New dates announced for FIFA U-17 Womens World Cup

The FIFA U-17 Womens World Cup in India has been rescheduled for February 17 and March 7, 2021, the governing body announced today. The tournament was initially scheduled to be held in India from November 2-21 in 2020, but postponed due to the pandemic.

FIFA announced that the tournament will keep original eligibility criteria despite the postponement -- players born on or after 1 January 2003 and on or before 31 December 2005 will be eligible to compete.

The U-17 Womens World Cup was originally scheduled to be played across five host cities - Navi Mumbai, Guwahati, Ahmedabad, Kolkata and Bhubaneswar.

"The dates were confirmed after taking into account the time needed to complete the UEFA, CONCACAF, CAF, OFC, and CONMEBOL qualification tournaments as well as the best possible conditions in the country to host a successful FIFA U-17 Womens World Cup," the Local Organising Committee (LOC) said in a statement.

"We are now looking ahead and hoping to host a wonderful tournament that will give women’s football in India, the perfect platform to grow and develop. All the host cities have put in a lot of effort and commitment so far, and we are happy that the new dates will allow them to make up for the lost time and provide momentum going forward.

"All the stakeholders, including the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, have been supportive of the decision keeping in mind the health, safety and security of everyone involved, especially the teams and fans," the LOC said in a statement. The LOC will continue to work together with FIFA, and we remain fully committed to hosting a memorable and successful tournament."

Speaking on development, Odisha Sports Minister Tusharkanti Behera said, "I welcome the decision of FIFA , AIFF and LOC. Odisha Govt remains committed to preparing for the tournament  and hosting the same as per FIFA standards. With the new dates now in place, we will be able to expedite preparations once the nation wide lockdown has been eased, and be ready in time to host the prestigious tournament."