The Confederations Cup beach soccer tournament, which was withdrawn yesterday in Dubai, has placed the UAE in Group A along with Italy, Japan and Spain.

Dubai will host the ninth edition of the tournament, which is organized by the Dubai Sports Council, starting from November 5 to 9, with the participation of eight teams.

The Council held a press conference yesterday, in the presence of its Secretary-General Saeed Hareb, the Executive Director of beach football in the International Federation Joan Cusco, the Secretary-General of the Football Association Mohammed bin Hazam, and the Assistant Secretary-General of the Council of Dubai Nasser Aman Al Rahma, and the Chairman of the Organizing Committee Khalid Al Awar, Ali Omar Sports Development.

The draw was also attended by international referee Ibrahim Al Mansouri, winner of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Award for Sports Innovation, as well as former Spain and Real Madrid star Michel Salgado.

In Group B, three-time Confederations Cup holders Russia, Iran and Egypt and Mexico, while Brazil apologized for their participation in the World Cup in November in Paraguay.

The tournament matches are played in a league system from one round, the first and second qualify to the semi-finals, and then play the knockout system until the crown of the top three.

Said Hareb, in press statements: «This world championship is considered a pure national product, being born with the idea of ​​the UAE, and we have organized it annually in cooperation with the Beach Soccer Committee of the International Federation and the UAE Federation since 2011».

"The Confederations Cup is an important addition to the sporting tourism industry in Dubai, because fans are eager to watch the worlds stars and champions every year. We are also pleased to announce that the tournament will be held again at Kite Beach Jumeirah for the second year in a row."

On another issue, Joan Cusco ruled out any sanctions against the Brazilian team after the decision to apologize. More to be able to compete for the tournament. ”

"The absence of Brazil would open the door for the emergence of a new champion. I personally expect the champion to come out of the well-known names."

He expressed his delight at the successful partnership between FIFA and Dubai Sports Council, saying: “Dubai has become a center for attracting the most prominent teams and beach football fans. Coming years ».

Bin Hazam: «Local beach» will see the light this year

"The activity of the beach ball will see the light of the year," said the federation's secretary general, Mohamed Bin Hazam, without specifying when local tournaments will begin. He added in a press statement: «The Beach Ball Committee is conducting a full study in coordination with many parties to return the beach ball league, but so far has not been the competition system and the number of teams participating or until the date of its launch, but efforts are continuing in this regard, as many companies may appear in This upcoming league is part of plans to increase the number of competition teams and also to strengthen the competition's activity.