Football association removing stadium fences in preparation for FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup

By Baha Abu Hasnah - Jan 04,2016 - Last updated at Jan 04,2016

The Jordan Football Association is currently working to remove fences separating spectators from the football field in the stadiums that will host the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in September (Photo by Osama Aqarbeh)

AMMAN — The Jordan Football Association (JFA) is working to remove the steel fences in stadiums that separate fans from the football field in preparation to host the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in September, an official said Monday.

JFA Vice President Salah Sabra said the decision is in line with FIFA standards and regulations, as the international football regulatory body does not want such fences that obstruct fans’ view of the matches.

Sixteen national teams are expected to participate in the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, which is scheduled to take place from September 30 to October 21.

During the championship, 16 teams will play 32 matches in four stadiums in Amman, Irbid and Zarqa. Sabra dismissed as baseless reports published on several websites saying that any fan who attempts to enter the field will face a JD3,000 fine in addition to a three-year prison term.

“We have not taken the decision yet. It was only a suggestion, but nothing has been approved yet,” the official noted, stressing that security personnel will prevent such incidents.

The stadiums will be ready to host the second stage of the Jordan Professional League, and the seats will be “comfortable and numbered” Sabra said.

In addition, there will be special seats for families, the official added.

Maintenance work on the Amman International Stadium, in Al Hussein Youth City, is going according to plan, Al Hussein Youth City Director Atef Ruweidan told The Jordan Times over the phone.

The stadium should be ready by the end of March, six months before the beginning of the world cup, he said.

“We receive delegations from FIFA who come to check on the progress of work at the stadium,” Ruweidan added.

The Amman International Stadium has a capacity of 13,000, while the other three stadiums — King Abdullah International Stadium in the capital’s Qweismeh area, Prince Hassan Stadium in Irbid and Prince Mohammad Stadium in Zarqa — can each accommodate 12,000 spectators.

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