Have a look at the following extract from a larger article published on the Bangkok Post (complete text here): you'll find some interesting info on the next World Futsal Cup 2012 recently assigned to the Thai FA.


Courtesy: Bangkok Post

Meanwhile, Thailand has been picked by world's football governing body Fifa to host the 2012 Futsal World Cup, ahead of the Czech Republic and Guatemala.

It will be the second Fifa-sanctioned world championship to be held in Thailand following the Under-19 Women's World Championship a few years ago.

The man behind Thailand's successful bid to host the futsal tournament is Worawi Makudi, president of the Football Association of Thailand (FAT) who is also a Fifa executive member.

Thailand was selected in spite of the political situtation probably because of Worawi's influence.

Most matches of the 2012 tournament will be held in Bangkok with backing of the government and the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA).

Major cities such as Chiang Mai, Nakhon Ratchasima and Phuket may also host some games.

Worawi believes that the tournament will help make futsal (five-a-side) become more popular and boost the country's economy.

In fact, futsal is quite popular here because it is fast and exciting. Another reason is that the national team are among Asian powerhouses and have reached the World Cup finals on several occasions.On the other hand, the national football side are still looking for their first-ever World Cup appearance.

The Sports People's Power Party may be able to make the dream come true if it is in power.


Posted by Luca Ranocchiari --> luca.ranocchiari@futsalplanet.com