Spain sets sights on hosting first Fútbol 7 World Cup | OneFootball

Spain is positioning itself to host the first Fútbol 7 World Cup, with October’s SportCities Expo & Summit in Valladolid aiming to push for FIFA recognition and a tournament plan. According to El Periódico Mediterráneo, the event runs on 21 and 22 October.

SportCities, a leading southern European forum for sports infrastructure, argues the seven-a-side format is accessible, sustainable, inclusive and easy to install, which suits cities. Director Raúl Calleja says that focus underpins the bid to turn Valladolid into a global focal point for the discipline.

Organisers have aligned with Football 7 WorldWide (F7WW), chaired by Didier Drogba and directed by the Spaniard Alberto Pastor. Pastor contends Fútbol 7 could become part of Infantino’s legacy. A first World Cup is being floated for 2029 or 2031.

FIFA currently recognises 11-a-side, futsal and beach soccer. Deloitte España estimates those disciplines account for 300 million licences, a figure that would double to 600 million with Fútbol 7 included. Spain and Brazil are leading centres of the non-official game, with hundreds of thousands of players.

F7WW’s next steps involve active talks with FIFA to secure definitive endorsement. It says it already has important votes from Brazil and Morocco. In Spain, support from the previous presidency has been secured, with discussions ongoing to obtain the same response from the current leadership.

Source: El Periódico Mediterráneo