FIFA TO UNVEIL HOST FOR 2004 FUTSAL WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP

FIFA TO UNVEIL HOST FOR 2004 FUTSAL WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP
FIFA's Executive Committee will meet in Zurich, Switzerland from March 6-7, to discuss the 2003 FIFA tournaments (U-20, U-17, Confederations Cup, Women's World Cup) as well as unveil the respective host nation for the next Futsal World Championship slated for 2004.

A record six national soccer associations (Australia, Bahrain, Chinese Taipei, Iran, Paraguay and Thailand) submitted bids to host the fifth Futsal World Championships. Brazil won the first three FIFA tournaments (Holland 1989, Hong Kong 1992, Spain 1996), while Spain captured the last one held in Guatemala 2000. The U.S. is the only CONCACAF team to earn two top-three finishes at the futsal competition, earning a bronze medal in 1989 and then obtaining the silver in 1992.

FIFA is also scheduled to announce the venue for the Women's Under-19 World Championships as Belarus, India and Thailand all affirmed their candidacy to stage the second U-19 women's event. For more information check www.fifa.com.