Malaysia to host first AFF beach soccer tourney

FAM president Tengku Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah (center) receiving the mock check of RM1mil from FELDA Director General, Datuk Faizoull Ahmad (right) after the announcement of the inaugural AFF Beach Soccer Championship to be held in Kuantan next month. - BERNAMA

PETALING JAYA: Malaysia will host the inaugural Asean Football Federation (AFF) beach soccer championship in Kuantan next month (Oct 21-31).

A total of eight teams including Philippines, Indonesia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam and invitational side Felda Malaysia will vie for qualification berths to the Asian Championships organised by the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) in April next year.

AFF secretary general Datuk Azzuddin Ahmad said the top two teams will be eligible to play in the Asian championships.

"We believe beach soccer has a huge growth potential in this region and also with the sport coming under the auspices of FIFA since 2005. The game has acquired world status and we in Asean will not be left behind," said Azzuddin at the sponsorship presentation ceremony held at the Majestic Hotel in Kuala Lumpur on Saturday.

The inaugural AFF beach soccer championship is sponsored by Malaysia's Federal Land Development Authority (FELDA) with a total contribution of RM1 million.