Beach soccer heads to Caribbean for Bahamas World Cup qualifier

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By Andrew Warshaw
March 13 – Caribbean football, striving to enhance its image since the 2011 cash-for-votes scandal, at last has some good news, no doubt in part due to the efforts of Jeffrey Webb, president of CONCACAF which covers the region.

The Bahamas will become the first Caribbean nation to host CONCACAF’s Beach Soccer Championship on May 8-12, with the winners and runners-up advancing to the  World Cup in Tahiti in September.

“This rapidly growing sport is of particular relevance for the Caribbean region, given its pristine beach setting and idyllic weather,” said Webb. “We are certain this niche will soon become the region’s staple.”

“Taking the World Cup Qualifier to the Caribbean was a necessary step to take,” said Joan Cusco, vice-president of Beach Soccer Worldwide.

“There’s a huge beach soccer potential in the region and that was the right moment to make it happen.  The Bahamas is a great example of this, as they built an excellent permanent stadium thus proving a strong commitment with the sport and the possibilities it offers.”

The CONCACAF Beach Soccer Championship has been held six times, with Mexico hosts on four occasions and current holders. Russia are defending world champions.

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