New Zealand Football welcomes the Government’s announcement today that from 11.59pm on Friday 25 March there will be unlimited numbers for outdoor MVP gatherings, and from 11:59pm on 4 April 2022, there will be no requirement to use My Vaccine Pass.

This announcement has implications for football activity from this weekend, including community football, the Football Foundation Kate Sheppard Cup final and the first round of the National League. These implications are outlined below.

All community football and futsal competitions, matches and trainings will continue to be classified as Gatherings and need to follow the Government’s rules for Gatherings. This means that, until 4 April, New Zealand Football and federation-run football and futsal competitions and matches should continue to operate as MVP Gatherings. This is to ensure that the game remains compliant with the COVID-19 Protection Framework and can be played in the safest possible environment. New Zealand Football will release updated guidance to reflect the removal of gathering limits for outdoor MVP gatherings on Friday, 25 March.  

New Zealand Football is working with Sport New Zealand and the federations to develop new guidance for football and futsal that reflects the changes announced by the Government today, including how all outdoor football activity can operate without My Vaccine Passes at all levels of the Covid-19 Protection Framework. Further updates will be advised in due course.

Implications for National League

Friday evening’s Central League game between North Wellington and Waterside Karori will take place under the current Red Setting requirements – i.e. that as an outdoor MVP event, gatherings of up to 100 people are permitted.

All Saturday and Sunday games will take place under the updated settings – i.e. that outdoor MVP gatherings may have unlimited numbers.

From Matchweek 3 of the National League the guidance will be updated to reflect the new settings.

Implications for Kate Sheppard Cup Final

Spectators holding a MVP can attend this Sunday’s Football Foundation Kate Sheppard Cup final between Wellington United and Hamilton Wanderers at North Harbour Stadium. Kick off is 2.30pm, with gates opening at 2pm. As this is a MVP event, vaccine passes must be displayed upon entry.

Article added: Wednesday 23 March 2022