Erbil (Iraqi Kurdistan), June 03, 2012 SPS)The Saharawi national football team on Sunday has arrived in Arbil, Iraqi Kurdistan to take part at VIVA World Cup 2012, an international tournament for football open to non-FIFA-affiliated teams, a source close to the team told SPS.
The Saharawi national team received by the President of Non-FIFA Board, Christian Michelis as well as Kurdish authorities.
The source indicated that the tournament will be inaugurated by a “distinctive show” before the opening match between the Saharawi Republic and the host team Kurdistan on 20:00 (local time) at Franso Hariri Stadium(Erbil) in the presence of the President of Iraqi Kurdistan, Masud Barazani.
According to tournament, the Saharawi national team will play in Group A along with Kurdistan and Occitania.
Speaking to reporters, Secretary of General of Non-FIFA Board, Jean-Pierre Kit, affirmed that the championship is very important and recognized the fact the FIFA gives the opportunity to the stateless regions' teams to take part in international championships.
He said that NF Board will organize a ceremony at the end of the tournament which aims at promoting the relations of friendship between the stateless regions participating in the event.
VIVA World Cup is an international football tournament organized by the NF Board, an umbrella association for nations unaffiliated with FIFA. Competitions are held every two years. (SPS)
090/TRA