“Uniting the World through All Forms of Football” As the world’s governing body for football, FIFA has a unique opportunity to promote unity, diversity, and inclusivity through all forms of the beautiful game, including beach soccer.
Dear FIFA President,
Your recent speech at the International Summit on Sport for Sustainable Development in Paris resonated deeply. You pledged to “unite the world through football” and emphasised FIFA’s responsibility to do so, given its 211 member countries. You also committed to investing USD 2 billion in solidarity programs and installing at least 1,000 mini-pitches worldwide.
While I’m excited to learn about these, I couldn’t help but wonder about the development of the other variants of the association game; futsal, and particularly beach soccer, both under FIFA’s governance. Mr President, you quoted Nelson Mandela, saying,
“If there is one thing on this planet that has the power to bind people, it is soccer – or football…”.
FIFA President
I can not agree more, but I believe this binding power extends to all forms of football.
Recent statistics have shown that beach soccer has seen increased following and participation, with more countries competing in the qualifiers for the World Cup finals. For instance, the 12th edition of the World Cup held in Dubai witnessed a record-breaking 70,000 fans, marking a significant increase from the 2021 tournament (53,149) and doubling the number of fans who attended the 2019 competition (34,997).
Consequently, what are FIFA’s plans for beach soccer development, how will FIFA ensure the sport receives adequate attention and resources, and what initiatives are being implemented to promote the game, even in naturally advantaged areas (coastal cities).
Mr President, I therefore urge you to consider the following:
- Show or increase investment in beach soccer infrastructure,
- Launch tailored initiatives to promote beach soccer across the world, as a tool for social development.
- Provide more resources and encourage support for beach soccer competitions,
- Develop and implement programs to increase participation and engagement in beach soccer, particularly among youth and women.
By supporting and developing all forms of football, FIFA, FIFA President can further promote diversity, inclusivity, and accessibility in the sporting world. I believe this aligns with your vision for a united football community.
Sincerely,
Taye Olajide
About the Author:
Taye, founder of BSmag, is a pioneering force in beach soccer, driving global growth and enthusiasm for the sport. Through personal experiences, compelling stories, and strategic partnerships, Taye has united enthusiasts worldwide, fostering a vibrant community and supporting initiatives across Africa and the globe.
