For Director of FIFA Tournaments Jaime Yarza, the Philippines' hosting of the first-ever Futsal Women’s World Cup might be the start of something bigger and better for the sport.
The Philippine Football Federation’s (PFF) strong commitment to hold the upcoming Futsal Women's World Cup stood out as one of the main reasons FIFA awarded the country the hosting rights of the tournament.
Director of FIFA Tournaments Jaime Yarza lauded the national football governing body for its readiness in taking the challenge of bringing world-class futsal action in the Philippines.
“The country was really interested in the project and is very supportive of hosting the World Cup. This is extremely important because it helps us to create a legacy for the sport in the country and the legacy for women,” Yarza said on One News’ Play By Play.
“Around six to seven countries bid for the right to host the tournament. Our recommendation was to go with the Philippines and we’re very happy that the FIFA council followed that,” he added.
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With the way futsal and football are making progress in the last decade or so, Yarza hoped that the first-ever major FIFA tournament to be held in the country will be a big help to develop the two sports in the Philippines.
“There is a lot of growth in the world of football and futsal in the Philippines. There are programs in place for over 12 years where futsal was played by boys and girls, mostly by girls, which means recent developments are happening,” the Director of FIFA Tournaments emphasized.
Yarza noted: “We can bring football and futsal to a new level in the Philippines for a long run.”
Together with New Zealand, the Philippines booked a spot in the 16-nation salvo that will be held from November 21to December 7. Fourteen slots are still up for grabs with various countries from Europe, Northern and Southern America, Africa, and Carribean will duke it out.
For PFF president John Gutierrez, the country’s hosting of a global sporting event just like this is one for the books.
“Hosting the first-ever [FIFA Futsal Women's World Cup], it's something. This is going to be historic,” Gutierrez added.
Both Yarza and Gutierrez were also present when the official logo of the tournament was unveiled last Tuesday, March 18.
[ALSO READ: FIFA unveils inaugural Women’s Futsal World Cup official logo to be hosted by the Philippines]