Football NSW's Jo Fernandes Appointed to FIFA World Cup Role
Published Mon 28 May 2018
Football NSW’s Women’s & Girl’s Development Manager Jo Fernandes is ready to embark on a work trip of a lifetime after the well-travelled football administrator was appointed as a General Coordinator for the 2018 FIFA World Cup, taking place in Russia from June.
Within the role, Fernandes will play a central role in the successful delivery of several key FIFA World Cup matches taking place in Kaliningrad this summer, after being appointed as one of the first women, alongside Priscilla Salazar-Janssens, to be called upon as a General Coordinator for the FIFA World Cup.
General Coordinators play a vital role in supporting teams and ensuring stadia and venues run smoothly on matchdays. Key tasks and areas that fall under the responsibility of a General Coordinator can include team arrangements, stadium and training field preparation, match day operations, media and spectator services and security.
“It’s not too easy to explain, but essentially a GC (General Coordinator) is responsible for overseeing many key technical and operational areas, alongside our counterparts from the local organising committee (LOC),” explained Fernandes.
“GC’s are ultimately responsible for everything that happens at a venue, before, during and after a match.”
“We have the privilege and significant responsibility of ensuring the successful delivery of matches in our venue, in close cooperation with the LOC and FIFA colleagues.”
The appointment was a welcome surprise for Fernandes who has been a leading advocate for female football in Australia for a number of years.
“It sure was a wonderful surprise and an honour to be asked to be part of the FIFA World Cup this summer.
“Football NSW was completely supportive of my appointment and I cannot wait to get the ball rolling when I fly off on June 2nd for Russia.”
Football NSW CEO Stuart Hodge said the organisation was thrilled to see Fernandes given this opportunity.
“Jo is a highly-respected football administrator and deserves the opportunity to be a General Coordinator at the FIFA World Cup,” said Hodge.
“Football NSW is extremely proud that one of its team is going to play an important role in the delivery of the FIFA World Cup. We are hopeful that this appointment will inspire more women and girls in Australia to get involved in the administration of football.”
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