Record number of bidders for fifth Futsal World Championship

From www.fifa.com

Six national associations have officially confirmed their interest in staging the FIFA Futsal World Championship 2004, a record number of bidders for the competition.

Australia, Bahrain, China Taipei, Iran, Paraguay and Thailand affirmed their candidacy before the end-of-year deadline. The six national associations have until February 1, 2003 to submit bid documentation along with the signed Organization Association Agreement (OAA) to FIFA before a final decision is made regarding the host nation at the Executive Committee on March 6, this year.

The number of candidates would have been even greater but Egypt withdrew to concentrate resources on the organisation of the 2006 African Cup of Nations. Egypt, which has already done much to promote futsal - most recently hosting an international tournament underneath the Pyramids - are also bidding to stage the 2010 FIFA World Cup™.

The number of bidders for the tournament clearly highlights the growing popularity of the game globally. And the number of teams participating in each confederation’s qualifying rounds is also expected to show a notable increase.

“This is concrete proof that Futsal is becoming ever more popular and attractive,” commented FIFA President Joseph S. Blatter. “In recent years, this sport has made great progress across the board, and that delights me.”

The previous four FIFA Futsal World Championships have been held in the Netherlands (1989), Hong Kong (1992), Spain (1996), and Guatemala (2000). Brazil won the first three tournaments, with Spain claiming the title in 2000.