Countdown Begins for Mini Football World Championship in Ras Al Khaimah

Ras Al Khaimah, one of the emirates in the United Arab Emirates, is gearing up for the highly anticipated Mini Football World Championship. The tournament, organized by the International Federation of Mini Football, will take place in outdoor stadiums from October 26 to November 4.

The group stage draw was witnessed by Sheikh Ahmed bin Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, the Head of the Public Services Department in Ras Al Khaimah. The ceremony, held at the Mövenpick Resort Al Marjan Island, was attended by accredited ambassadors, state and senior officials, and a delegation from the International Federation of Football Associations.

A total of 32 teams will be participating in the tournament, divided into eight groups, with each group consisting of four teams. The draw placed the UAE national team in a balanced group alongside India, Kazakhstan, and Ghana.

The CEO of the Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority, American Raki Phillips, revealed that the match stadium will be built in the Al Hamra region, known as the tourist symbol of Ras Al Khaimah. This stadium will be the first football stadium overlooking the sea to host the Mini Football World Championship.

Phillips also mentioned that the competitions will be broadcasted live on various media and sports channels. The organizers have a plan in place to ensure a successful broadcast in cooperation with Emirati sports channels and the channels of the participating countries. They aim to surpass the success of the previous edition held in Australia in 2019, where the Mexican national team emerged as the champions.

Philip Judd, the head of the Czech International Federation, explained why Ras Al Khaimah was chosen as the venue for the tournament. He praised the emirate for its distinct and integrated file, surpassing other competing cities such as Manila and Budapest. Judd also expressed the desire to organize the Club World Cup in mini-football in the near future, further highlighting the UAE’s potential as a host.

The teams participating in the tournament qualified through preliminary qualifiers, except for the UAE, which qualified as the host country.

The head of the Emirates Mini Football Federation, Counselor Dr. Nasser Suleiman, confirmed that the federation’s official announcement in the country is currently under procedure in the General Sports Authority. The approval is expected well in advance of the start of the competitions. The federation has been assigned by the International Federation to oversee the game in the country until administrative procedures are completed.

Dr. Suleiman also provided insights into the UAE national team’s preparations. Currently, there are 30 national players, and a training gathering will be held to select the best players for the tournament. The federation is in the process of contracting a technical staff consisting of four coaches, including two citizens.

The UAE’s match against India is expected to draw a huge crowd, with the people of the Emirates and the Indian community in the country showing immense support for their respective teams. Dr. Suleiman acknowledged the need to find solutions to accommodate the expected large attendance.

Group G, which includes Iraq, Egypt, Tunisia, and Azerbaijan, is also anticipated to witness a significant public presence due to the presence of three Arab teams.

The Mini Football World Championship in Ras Al Khaimah promises to be an exciting event, showcasing the emirate’s commitment to sports and its potential as a host for international tournaments.

How is the Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority preparing to host the Mini Football World Championship in terms of infrastructure and facilities?

The emirate of Ras Al Khaimah in the United Arab Emirates is eagerly preparing for the upcoming Mini Football World Championship. This highly anticipated tournament, organized by the International Federation of Mini Football, will be held in outdoor stadiums from October 26 to November 4.

The group stage draw took place at the Mövenpick Resort Al Marjan Island, and was witnessed by Sheikh Ahmed bin Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, the Head of the Public Services Department in Ras Al Khaimah. The ceremony was attended by accredited ambassadors, state and senior officials, as well as a delegation from the International Federation of Football Associations.

A total of 32 teams will compete in the tournament, divided into eight groups of four teams each. The draw placed the UAE national team alongside India, Kazakhstan, and Ghana in a well-balanced group.

Excitingly, the CEO of the Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority, American Raki Phillips, announced that a stadium will be built in the Al Hamra region, a famous tourist attraction in Ras Al Khaimah. This stadium will be unique as it will be the first football stadium overlooking the sea to ever host the Mini Football World Championship.

Phillips further revealed that the competitions will be broadcast live on various media and sports channels. The organizers have developed a plan to ensure a successful broadcast in collaboration with Emirati sports channels and the channels of the participating countries. They aim to surpass the success of the previous edition held in Australia in 2019, where the Mexican national team emerged as the champions.

Philip Judd, the head of the Czech International Federation, also provided insights into why choosing Ras Al Khaimah as the host for this prestigious tournament was a wise decision. He highlighted the emirate’s commitment to sports, its impressive facilities, and its reputation as a leading tourist destination.

With just a few weeks left until the Mini Football World Championship begins, Ras Al Khaimah is buzzing with anticipation. The emirate is ready to showcase its sporting prowess, hospitality, and breathtaking scenery to players, fans, and viewers from around the world.