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November 15, 2001

FIFA names Hamm, Milbrett and Sun as finalists for 'World Player of the Year'    

They join David Beckham (England), Luis Figo (Portugal) and Raúl of (Spain) who were named as finalists for the men’s award. The winner will be announced on Monday, December 17 at the FIFA World Player Gala 2001 in Zurich, Switzerland.

"First and foremost, it's tremendous that FIFA is recognizing a female player of the year for the first time," said Milbrett. "It gives women's soccer a new importance and respect worldwide. Some truly amazing things have happened in our sport over the past decade and this a great sign of the steps FIFA is taking to raise the stature of the women's game."

Other awards will include the "Team of the Year," the "Best Mover of the Year" according to the FIFA World Ranking, the "Fair Play Award 2001" the "Fair Play Diploma 2001" and the "FIFA Presidential Award," a new decoration for a member of the worldwide football family personally chosen by the FIFA President.