The Football Ferns celebrate a goal against Costa Rica in February. Their match against Chinese Taipei this week has been called off. Photo: www.photosport.nz
The Football Ferns' international friendly against Chinese Taipei, due to be played on Tuesday, has been called off over safety concerns about the pitch in Taiwan.
The New Zealanders had been set to play their hosts in a training game on Saturday but that was also called off for the same reason.
Football New Zealand said staff at the Kaohsiung Nanzih Football Stadium had tried to improve the pitch since issues were first raised.
But it was still deemed unsafe to play on and NZF had to prioritise player safety and call the match off.
"Alternative venues were sought immediately when concerns were raised, but no suitable grass pitch options were available, so unfortunately the match has had to be called off."
The Ferns had named a 22-player squad for the Chinese Taipei tour, with goalkeepers Claudia Jenkins and Alina Santos included for the first time as they try to build depth ahead of the next Fifa Women's World Cup cycle.
The team had a 1-0 win and 1-1 draw against Costa Rica in February.
