H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Maktoum pledges support for Beach Soccer

His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum today announced his support for the future development of Beach Soccer as a recognised sport in the UAE.

[ClickPress, Fri May 19 2006] His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum today 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 which include Bahrain, China PR, Iran, Japan, Philippines and hosts United Arab Emirates 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 honored that His Highness Sheikh 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”

Mr. 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 HH Sheikh 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.

Additional Information


FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup 2006 – Qualifier Dubai


Jumeirah Beach Park – May 22 to 26

* Free admission for park attendants (limited seats, on a first-come/first-serve basis)


Group a group b
UAE JAPAN
BAHRAIN PHILIPPINES
CHINA PR IRAN








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 3rd place match.


Match schedule:


* All times are local (GMT +4)


Monday, May 22

4:00 pm Game 1: Japan vs. Philippines

Followed by Game 2: UAE vs. Bahrain


Tuesday, May 23

4:00 pm Game 3: Bahrain vs. China PR

Followed by Game 4: Japan vs. Iran


Wednesday, May 24

4:00 pm Game 5 – Philippines vs. Iran

Followed by Game 6 – UAE vs. China PR


Thursday, May 25 - Semifinals

(order of semifinal matches could be altered due to Host Broadcaster request)

4:00 pm Game 7 – 1st Group A vs. 2nd Group B *

Followed by Game 8 – 1st Group B vs. 2nd Group A *


Friday, May 26 – Final and 3rd place

4:00 pm Game 9 – Loser 7 vs. Loser 8 *

5:00 pm Game 10 – Winner 7 vs. Winner 8


* Winner qualifies to the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup 2006


The Road to the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup 2006 – Rio de Janeiro, November 2-12

The 16 participating teams will come from six qualifying events worldwide:


SOUTH AMERICA:

Brazil: Host country


FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup 2006 – Qualifier Macaé / Brazil, March 5-12


Uruguay

Argentina


ASIA:

FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup 2006 – Qualifier Dubai / United Arab Emirates, May 22-26


3 slots


AFRICA:

FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup 2006 – Qualifier Durban / South Africa, July 11-16


2 slots


EUROPE:

FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup 2006 – Qualifier Marseille / France, August 23-27


5 slots


OCEANIA:

FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup 2006 – Qualifier Tahiti / Tahiti, August 30 – September 3


1 slot


NORTH, CENTRAL AMERICA AND CARIBE

FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup 2006 – Qualifier Miami / United States, October 6-8


2 slots

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