Sky Sport has responded to the fans’ concerns and called in a team of Kiwi commentators for tonight’s Fifa Women’s World Cup match between New Zealand and the Philippines.
It comes after the broadcaster received feedback that the international commentary it used for the opening match didn’t do the FootballFerns or the match justice.
“The decision to use Fifa’s global feed for the Ferns’ tournament opener was perplexing – and unfortunate. If any game deserved a local context it was that one, while the future replays of Hannah Wilkinson’s golden goal will always be accompanied by an anonymous British voice.
“It’s such a shame. And this is not a Fifa decision. According to Fifa, Sky are free to use their own commentary team. So why not?”
As a response, Sky Sport has brought in former Football Fern Rosie White and seasoned football commentator Jason Pine to call all Football Ferns’ matches for the remainder of the Fifa Women’s World Cup.
Sky’s chief corporate affairs officer Chris Major said in a statement: “We’ve listened to customer feedback on the commentary for New Zealand matches, and look forward to hearing Rosie and Jason from today’s match against the Philippines.
“Fans can also continue to get a New Zealand perspective across the tournament in our pre- and post-match shows, along with our daily highlights show produced by the Sky Sport team.”
