No 'haka' for New Zealand at the Confederations Cup
FIFA won't allow the ritual
Posted Friday, June 16, 2017 by Marca.com
New Zealand will be unable to perform their famous 'haka' ritual ahead of kick-off at their matches in the Confederations Cup, which is set to kick-off this weekend in St Petersburg.
FIFA's particularly strict time rules prevent the All Whites from performing the dance ahead of fixtures in the competition.
"It's more of a logistical issue for FIFA as there's a very strict program before the games," said New Zealand defender Michael Boxall.
"You have to go out onto the field six minutes before the matches and four minutes before the initial whistle you have to line up for the anthems.
"Obviously New Zealand is very famous for it and it would be something unique and special for us, but FIFA's time limits do not allow it."
New Zealand, captained by West Ham's Winston Reid, are set to get the tournament going on Saturday as they face hosts Russia, who join Mexico and Portugal in Group A.
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