Fifa Club World Cup participants Auckland City FC’s social media targeted in cyber attack

Fifa Club World Cup participants Auckland City FC have been targeted in a social media cyber attack. Photo / Photosport

An Auckland football club has been targeted in a cyber security attack, with hackers posting sexual images to its social media account.

Auckland City FC captured global headlines in June amid their participation as the only amateur club in the Fifa Club World Cup.

Now, the Sandringham-based club is making headlines again – this time as the apparent victim of a cyber attack.

A series of images showing women in compromising positions have flooded one of the club’s verified social media accounts with more than 100,000 followers.

The risque content is yet to be deleted.

An Auckland City FC spokesperson told the Herald the club had contacted the New Zealand Police before the images emerged as one of its clients had been targeted a few days earlier and it feared it would be the next victim.

“The hackers have kicked out all the administrators so we have no control... we can’t remove anything,” they said.

The Herald understands the club has not been able to access its social media account for two days.

The club had reported the matter to New Zealand Football, the Oceania Football Confederation, Fifa and Netsafe – a government-appointed agency that investigates online abuse.

The spokesperson was unaware of when the issue would be resolved.

A statement posted to the club’s website on Monday said the safety and integrity of its digital platforms are of “utmost importance”.

“We are taking all necessary steps to restore normal operations.

“We appreciate the patience and understanding of our supporters during this time. Further updates will be provided as appropriate.”

The Herald has approached police for comment.

Auckland City FC was in the news globally in June, although mostly because of their inferior performances in the Fifa Club World Cup.

After losing their opening match 10-0 to Bayern Munich, they were handed a 6-0 defeat at the hands of Benfica. Despite their struggles, there was a Cinderella ending with a 1-1 draw against Boca Juniors.

The club are currently fifth on the New Zealand National League ladder, with two wins from five matches and eight points.