By Paul Nicholson
April 5 – FIFA have said that 13 member associations from five confederations have expressed an interest in hosting the 2020 Futsal World Cup. The eighth edition of the championship takes place in Colombia, September 10 to October 1 this year.
The short format of the game recognised internationally by FIFA has been gaining in international interest and competitiveness. The next phase of the bidding process for the 2020 event will see FIFA issue bid packs to the countries that have expressed an interest. The packs will contain information on the bidding process and the requirements to host the event.
Associations have to make a formal declaration of interest to FIFA by May 6.
The 13 associations who have expressed hosting interest are Costa Rica, Croatia, Czech Republic, Egypt, Georgia, Iran, Japan, Kazakhstan, Lithuania, Netherlands, New Zealand, the United Arab Emirates and USA.
This year’s finals in Colombia will see 24 teams play 52 games across three cities – Bucaramenga, Cali and Medellin. The final will be played in Cali.
It is the second time the tournament has been hosted in South America, the first time was in 2008 in Brazil. Brazil are the current reigning champions having been Spain in the final in 2010 in Thailand, the fifth time they had won the title.
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