Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) -- FIFA has handed over the Futsal World Cup trophy to Uzbekistan, the Uzbekistan Football Association (UFA) said.

The trophy handover ceremony took place at FIFA’s office in France, with the Association noting the participation of FIFA President Gianni Infantino, Uzbekistan’s Minister of Sports Adham Ikramov, Vice President of the Olympic Council of Asia Otabek Umarov, AFA First Vice President Ravshan Irmatov, and NOC General Secretary Oybek Kasimov.

The Futsal World Cup will be held in Uzbekistan from 14 September to 6 October 2024, in Tashkent, Andijan, and Bukhara. The tournament will feature twenty-four teams, with Afghanistan, Tajikistan, New Zealand, and France making their debut appearances. Portugal will aim to defend its title.

The tournament draw ceremony took place on 26 May 2024, at Registan Square in Samarkand, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino commented: “When I handed the official trophy to Uzbekistan’s Minister of Sports Adham Ikramov and AFA First Vice President Ravshan Irmatov at our office in Paris, we reached an important milestone.” 

He expressed his gratitude for the work done in preparation for this historic event and wished everyone success.

Infantino also noted that the draw ceremony in Samarkand demonstrated a high level of preparation and expressed his expectation that Uzbekistan will host a wonderful and memorable tournament.

During the visit, the Uzbekistan delegation also toured the FIFA Museum, where an exhibit dedicated to Ravshan Irmatov’s refereeing career was showcased.