World Championship Draw Rescheduled

The draw for the TUI Socca World Championship in Cancun, Mexico, has been rescheduled following requests from some countries regarding visa  delays.

Seven countries have asked the ISF to delay the draw whilst they wait for their visas to arrive.

Sergio Ibarra, President of the Americas ISF said, “Whilst we have over 30 teams confirmed, there are a number of countries who have struggled to access the visa applications on time, and we thought it only sensible to allow these countries to get their visas processed properly before we made a draw” It is expected that the final country will have their visa approved by 15^th November.

ISF understands that policies from the USA following the election of Donald Trump, which have caused limitations on people transiting into Mexico, have meant that there are extra procedures to get visas.Some countries have had to travel outside their own country to get a visa, whilst others are having to obtain a Schengen area visa.

Mr Ibarra said, “Last year, up to December, it was very easy to get a visa for Mexico, but things are different now, and we have to accept there are delays, but we are working hard with the countries involved to resolve them, along with our Government who are hugely supportive and helping us. We have 32 countries confirmed but our aim is to wait for the last few to get it up to 40 so we can make a draw with all confirmed participating countries.”.

ISF said that once all the countries have successfully achieved their visas a draw will be held within a few days. Meanwhile, work has started on the stadium in Cancun, which will feature an innovative design to incorporate local species of trees amongst the seating, as shown on the picture.