The Solomon Islands beach soccer national team is set to represent Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) in the Association National Olympic Committee (ANOC) World Beach Games Qatar 2019 that will be held from October 11-16 in Doha.
Bilikiki earned the right to participate in the ANOC World Beach Games after finishing second in the OFC Beach Soccer Nations Cup in Tahiti.
Oceania champions Tiki Toa could not participate in the World Beach Games since Tahiti does not have a National Olympic Committee.
SIFF President William Lai said participating in the World Beach Games is a boost to beach soccer as a sport to be included in the 2023 Pacific Games.
“I hope NOCSI will endorse Bilikiki to take part in the World Beach Games as we are starting our road to 2023 Pacific Games in Honiara,” Lai said.
“While we know that beach soccer may be included in 2023, but as far as SIFF is concerned, all requirements from OFC has been endorsed.
“NOCSI please do your part and do not waste the opportunity to get a medal. SIFF on its part will do its best to prepare our beach soccer team for 2023.”
The World Beach Games will see Bilikiki return to the world stage and compete against 16 other countries from UEFA, CONMEBOL, CONCACAF and AFC.
- UEFA: Rusia, Spain, Italy, Switzerland, Ukraine
- CONMEBOL: Brasil, Paraguay, Uruguay
- CONCACAF: TBC next August 3-5 (2 teams)
- CAF: Senegal, Morocco
- AFC: Iran, Japan, UAE
- OFC: Solomon Islands
