The race is wide open and has reached a milestone following the signature of the bidding agreement of those countries expressing their interest in hosting one or both competitions.
The member associations that have sent the Bid Registration forms to FIFA by the established deadline of September 1 for one or both competitions are, in alphabetical order: Argentina, Azerbaijan, Brazil, Chile, Costa Rica, Italy, Netherlands, Oman, Poland, Russia, South Africa, Switzerland and Tahiti.
The initial bidders list for both FIFA Beach Soccer World Cups is larger than ever and the diversity and quality of the contenders will make this a very interesting selection process. The interest shown proves the importance of the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup as a truly universal event and demonstrates the global influence of this competition to achieve positive change, in line with FIFA’s development claims for the sport.
“We are delighted with the interest that beach soccer has raised in our National Associations and it reinforces the level of our involvement with this mode of football. We believe in the permanent success and growth of beach soccer” said Jérôme Valcke, Secretary General of FIFA.
The next step in the process will come on January 15, when member associations will submit the signed Hosting Agreements together with the relevant information on event experience and country infrastructure. The Final decision will be made by the FIFA Executive Committee in March 2010.
Story courtesy FIFA Media