Press releases

MINSK, 27 May (BelTA) – In April 2015 Belarus will play host to the AMF Futsal Men’s World Cup. The agreement on hosting the tournament was signed in Minsk City Hall on 27 May, BelTA has learned.

The document was signed by Chairman of the Belarusian Futsal Federation Sergei Buinovsky and President of the International Futsal Federation (AMF) Rolando Alarcon Rios.

The tournament will be hosted by two Belarusian cities: Minsk and Brest.

AMF President Rolando Alarcon Rios expressed confidence that the championship will be held in line with all international standards and that the organizing committee will fulfill its functions properly. Mr Rolando Alarcon Rios stressed that the Belarusian national team has world-class players and that the team will battle for the place in the top.

Chairman of the Belarusian Futsal Federation Sergei Buinovsky assured the AMF President that the 2015 AMF Futsal World Cup would become a significant sport event for Belarus. He also added that Borisov and Molodechno are also considered as the World Cup venues. Speaking about the venues that will host the tournament, the Chairman of the Belarusian Futsal Federation noted that these will be the sports center Victoria in Brest, and the Sports Palace or Chizhovka Arena in Minsk. It is possible that the final will take place at Minsk Arena.

The President of the European Union of Futsal (UEFS) Valery Akhumian, who was present at the signing ceremony, said that it took great effort to return the world cup to Europe due to its enormous popularity in Latin America. “Representatives of the national federations of those countries were not too willing to voice support for Belarus given some misinformation about the country. It was only after visiting the country that they radically changed their minds,” he said, noting that Europe has not hosted the futsal world cup for 20 years.

Aide for Physical Training, Sport and Tourism of the Belarus President Maksim Ryzhenkov said that by applying for the AMF Futsal World Cup, Belarus was confident it could cope well with the organization of the tournament at the highest level. The past IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship showed that the city and the country are ready for any kind of event. Minsk has the necessary sports and tourist infrastructure. Coupled with the hospitality of citizens the AMF can be rest assured of the success of the joint project,” said Maxim Ryzhenkov.　

The Belarusian Futsal Federation was founded in 1993. The same year it joined the European Union of Futsal and participates in the continental championships.