Blatter praises Dubai on beach soccer success

Dubai: Sepp Blatter, Fifa president, has congratulated Dubai for hosting a highly successful Fifa Beach Soccer World Cup at the end of last year.

In a letter addressed to Shaikh Hamdan Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and President of the Dubai Sports Council (DSC), Blatter stated that Dubai has proven Fifa right on their stance to award the event outside Brazil.

"The World Cup in Dubai was a triumph in sporting terms and a special mention must go to the Local Organising Committee that made the Dubai story possible," Blatter stated in his letter.

"The hard work and commitment shown by everyone involved in the World Cup made it clear that Beach Soccer is on the right track and that going to places such as Dubai is an added value both to the sport as well as to Fifa," the letter said.

Blatter further complimented the team led by DSC President Mattar Al Tayer, tournament director Salah Tahlak and deputy tournament director Dr. Khalid Mohammad Al Zahed. "They created a wonderful working team and spirit and were the real drivers of success," Blatter said.

"I would like to express my gratitude to the city of Dubai for making such an achievement and for making available its beautiful beaches and venue as well as its unique culture to the world through the magic of beach soccer."