Women's World Cup team deny mocking the Haka as online video criticised
The KNVB has denied the Netherlands women's team were attempting to mimic the haka after an online video attracted widespread criticism.
The organisation (Royal Dutch Football Association) responsible for the senior Dutch women's side issued the statement after a video on social media appeared to show players in the squad mocking the tribal war dance. As first reported by The Telegraph, the clip that was published on Instagram attracted widespread criticism.
Netherlands are currently based on the north island of New Zealand preparing for the World Cup finals, which begin later this month, with the 2017 European Champions facing USA, Portugal and Vietnam in Group E. A response issued by the KNVB states that players were not mocking the ceremonial Maori dance, but instead were taking part in a group exercise.
"The clip from the video online is part of a training [session] the team recently had in the Netherlands," a spokesperson told The Telegraph. At the physical part of the training, the team did an exercise that was focused on channelling your inner strength and was absolutely not referring to the Haka or mimicking it.
"There was no intention of showing disrespect to anyone. In sports the Haka is known and admired by all professional athletes. The Dutch women’s football team is no exception to this.”
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"Our visit to the World Cup in Australia and New Zealand will provide us with the opportunity to get to know more about both host countries. We look forward to our stay and the pōwhiri ceremony that awaits us."
The Dutch aren't the only team to attract criticism for perceived mocking of the Haka ahead of the tournament. Another video of four Spanish players attempting the traditional dance briefly appeared on the national team's social media channels before it was deleted.
The Spain team are also in New Zealand, based in Auckland before their opening game against Costa Rica on July 21. They also face Vietnam in a warm-up match on Friday, with their governing body the RFEF yet to comment on the matter.
Famously the New Zealand rugby team, the All Blacks, perform a 'Ka Mate' haka in front of their opponent as part of a pre-game ritual. In addition, the Black Ferns, New Zealand's women's rugby team, also regularly perform a 'Ko Uhia Mai' haka.
Fifa had previously announced that indigenous flags of Australia and New Zealand will be on display throughout the World Cup finals, which kick-off in less than a fortnight.
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