Queen says hosting FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup ‘everyone’s responsibility’

AMMAN — Her Majesty Queen Rania has stressed the importance of hosting the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, which she described as “a historic, national achievement and source of pride for all Jordanians”.

Her Majesty made the remarks as the one-year countdown to the event kicked off. Jordan will host the tournament from September 30 until October 21 next year in Amman, Irbid and Zarqa.

In a pre-recorded video message screened during a Wednesday ceremony to mark the occasion, Her Majesty   emphasised “everyone’s collaborative responsibility — whether as individuals or institutions — to launching a global and overall successful tournament that reflects a positive image of a hospitable and multicultural Jordan”.

At the ceremony, the countdown clock was unveiled and started ticking towards what will be the Kingdom’s biggest sporting event in its history and one of the most significant international tournaments to be staged in the region, according to a statement from the Queen’s office.

The event was attended by HRH Prince Ali and key stakeholders, including the Jordan U-17 national team, representatives of governmental entities and major private companies, prominent businesspeople and a host of local media representatives.

The FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup 2016’s first two ambassadors were revealed, including media figure Mohammed Al Wakeel and Jordan national women’s football team player Yasmeen Khair.