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Shaikh Hamdan to support beach soccer in UAE |
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5/19/2006 10:25:51 AM |
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DUBAI — Shaikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum yesterday announced his support for the future development of beach soccer as a recognised sport in the UAE.
His comments were made in relation to the upcoming FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup 2006 – Qualifier Dubai which will be held at the Jumeirah Beach Park from May 22 to 26. Six Asian nations including Bahrain, China PR, Iran, Japan, Philippines and hosts UAE will compete for three slots in the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup 2006.
Joan Cusco, managing director of FIFA Beach Soccer said, “We are privileged and honoured that Shaikh Hamdan bin Mohammed has recognised this milestone event. Beach soccer is one of the fastest growing professional sports in the world and we are confident that its popularity in the UAE will reach new heights following the qualifiers.”
Yousuf Al Serkal, president of the UAE Football Association, added, “We are delighted to be hosting the inaugural FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup 2006 Asian Qualifiers here in Dubai under the patronage of Shaikh Hamdan bin Mohammed. This event is being held for the very first time in the Middle East and we look forward to hosting many more beach soccer tournaments in the UAE, including the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup.”
The Dubai Qualifier is the second of a total six continental tournaments where nations aim to book their tickets to the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup 2006. The premier competition in beach soccer will gather the 16 top teams in the world in Copacabana Beach, Rio de Janeiro, from November 2 to 12. Teams play round-robin inside their groups and the top two from each advance to the semifinals. The finalists will be qualified to the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup 2006, as well as the winner of the third place match.
Match schedule: May 22 4:00pm game 1: Japan vs. Philippines followed by Game 2: UAE vs. Bahrain May 23 4:00pm Game 3: Bahrain vs. China, Game 4: Japan vs. Iran |
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