Sport | Other Sports
Beach soccer World Cup boost
The event manager of Fifa's beach soccer committee has given Dubai's bid to host the 2009 World Cup a boost by praising the city's facilities and infrastructure.
- By Sayed Ali, Staff Reporter
- Published: 23:24 June 26, 2007
- Dr Ahmad Sa'ad Al Sherief (right) discussing with Volvio Danils Dubai's bid to host the 2009 beach football World Cup.
- Image Credit:
Dubai: The event manager of Fifa's beach soccer committee has given Dubai's bid to host the 2009 World Cup a boost by praising the city's facilities and infrastructure.
Volvio Danils was speaking at a Dubai Sports Council meeting with Dr Ahmad Sa'ad Al Sherief.
The DSC secretary general outlined Dubai's bid and highlighted how in recent years the emirate has successfully hosted international events in horse racing, soccer, tennis, equestrian, endurance, golf and power boat racing.
Danils said that the popularity of beach soccer is growing worldwide for several reasons.
Superstars like Eric Cantona, Zinedine Zidane and Romario have raised the profile of the game by taking part in tournaments.
However, a major appeal is the sport's simplicity - only two goals and a ball are needed, making it accessible to people in even the poorest areas.
Dubai, though, face still competition to win the right to host the event, with France, Argentina, Spain and Italy also in the running.
The Fifa beach soccer committee will decide the city which will host the 2009 World Cup at the end of August.
Dr Al Sherief said he hoped Dubai's great facilities and excellent infrastructure would help the emirate win the race.
The DSC secretary general also stressed Dubai is helping develop beach soccer through hosting the Asian qualifiers for the 2007 and 2008 World Cup finals.
He said beach soccer fans in Dubai are eagerly awaiting the 2007 qualifiers, which will be held from August 14-18, with eight countries taking part: Bahrain, Japan, China, Iran, Philippines, Thailand, India and hosts UAE.
Danils said he was happy to visit Dubai and meet with the DSC officials and claimed that he and the Fifa beach soccer officials are confident in Dubai's capabilities and its potential to present a high-quality sporting event.
He praised the developments and prosperity of Dubai, factors which are swiftly turning it into one of the most famous and beautiful cities in the world.
Danils said he wished Dubai well in its bid to host the 2009 beach soccer World Cup.
He also praised the city's efforts to develop the sport following the signing of an agreement between DSC and the Fifa beach soccer committee.
The popularity of beach soccer is growing worldwide. Superstars like Eric Cantona, Zinedine Zidane and Romario have raised the profile of the game by taking part in tournaments.
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