KEIR RADNEDGE REPORTS: Journalists covering the Women’s World Cup are in for a surprise: the mixed zone will be operational immediately after the TV flash interviews following the final whistle.

This means that reporters will have access to the stars  – only if the players want to stop and talk, of course – before they go to the dressing rooms.

Whether the women will welcome being used to trial the system is not known.

FIFA, explaining how the new mixed zone system will work, explained:

“The aim of this new process is to provide media with additional content right after the game and to give players more time for their post‑match recovery.

“The mixed‑zone system, under which it is mandatory for players to pass through this area after matches, has been used at all FIFA competitions for many years now. The new approach is to have the mixed‑zone activities taking place right after the broadcasters’ flash interviews.

“Each mixed zone will be divided into two separate areas, one for TV and radio broadcasters (Media Rights Licensees) and one for the written press. Players will first pass through the TV and radio area before moving on to the area for the written press.

“As the mixed‑zone activities will start right after the final whistle, TV monitors showing the game will be installed in the mixed zone in order to support journalists in post‑match duties, allowing them to watch the end of the game while ensuring they are present when the first players pass through.

“The mixed zone will be open from 20 minutes before the end of normal time (i.e. from around the 70th minute).

“It is worth remembering that, although players are encouraged to answer media questions, they are not obliged to do so. Coaches are not required to go through the mixed zone, as they will be interviewed during the post-match press conferences.

“FIFA is aware that this new process is a significant change for media and players, but is hopeful that it will be perceived as a positive development by all stakeholders.”

Swiss official Tatjana Haenni, fomerly a senior women’s football manager at the world federation FIFA, has already complained on Twitter about the tournament in France being used as a first platform for law and interpretation changes being implemented by the International Football Association Board.

She wrote: “Why do they have to come into force right before the world cup? Referees, coaches, teams and players should have the chance to get used to them. Now the biggest women’s sport event is taking an unnecessary risk.”

Full FIFA statement:

At the FIFA Women’s World Cup France 2019, the mixed zone will be operational right after the final whistle, before the players go to the dressing rooms.

The aim of this new process is to provide media with additional content right after the game and to give players more time for their post‑match recovery.

The mixed‑zone system, under which it is mandatory for players to pass through this area after matches, has been used at all FIFA competitions for many years now. The new approach is to have the mixed‑zone activities taking place right after the broadcasters’ flash interviews.

Each mixed zone will be divided into two separate areas, one for TV and radio broadcasters (Media Rights Licensees) and one for the written press. Players will first pass through the TV and radio area before moving on to the area for the written press.

As the mixed‑zone activities will start right after the final whistle, TV monitors showing the game will be installed in the mixed zone in order to support you in your post‑match duties, allowing you to watch the end of the game whilst ensuring you are present when the first players pass through. The mixed zone will be open from 20 minutes before the end of normal time (i.e. from around the 70th minute).

It is worth remembering that, although players are encouraged to answer media questions, they are not obliged to do so. Coaches are not required to go through the mixed zone, as they will be interviewed during the post-match press conferences.

With the mixed‑zone activities starting right after the match, the press conferences with the coaches will begin approximately 20 minutes after the final whistle in order to allow media to cover all such events.

To access the mixed zone, an accreditation covering zone 6 and a mixed‑zone SAD (Supplementary Access Device) are needed. SADs can be collected at the Distribution Desk at the Stadium Medium Centre (SMC) on MD-1 and MD. Please note that photographers do not have access to the mixed zone.

FIFA is aware that this new process is a significant change for media and players, but is hopeful that it will be perceived as a positive development by all stakeholders.

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