The Municipality of Figueira da Foz, promoter of the Figueira Beach Sports City project, the organizing company DoctorSport and the patron of the event Madjer Saraiva, hereby announce the cancellation of the 2020 edition of the Madjer Cup, pointing to June 2021 the third edition of what is, recognized by Beach Soccer Worldwide, the most prestigious worldwide youth beach soccer event.
Given the effects of the Covid-19 Pandemic, and within the recommendations of the World Health Organization and the National Health Organiztion, in recent weeks the parties involved made every effort to ensure that the 3rd edition of the event could be held in 2020.
However, in view of the most recent regulations established in the Resolution of the Council of Ministers of April 30, 2020, as well as the instability that is experienced worldwide, it is believed that the most reasonable decidion is to cancel the scheduled event for 19, 20 and 21 June.
It is recalled that this event has a strong international component having in 2019 teams from Portugal, Spain, Italy, England, United States, El Salvador and Poland participated, in a total of about 250 athletes.
Madjer Saraiva also sends ou a message to all the National and International teams that had already confirmed their presence: “In this difficult times when all humanity has to be together in the greatest match of our lives, we cannot fail to make our contribution to world health! This is a communication that costs us a lot to do but aware and with certainty who in 2021 will come back stronger and better event.
Madjer Cup : Hello! It is a great pleasure for Madjer Cup organization to have the first Indian Team attending the event. Can you let us know a bit more about Dias United Club?
Dias United : A registered not for profit organization with its headquarters in Mumbai and have various branches in different states of India. It has produced many athletes who participated in International & National competitions also have represented the country. Dias United is very much involved in beach related football activities recently they won a fair play award in the national beach soccer championship which was later approved by BSWW.
They have a designated staff.
# Manager Nikita Sudaram (FIFA sports medicine & sports management certified by Newzealand University)
# Technical Director Mr. Cajetan Dias (Ex-International represented team India as a captain in Rio Olympics movememt 2016 at Brazil.)
# Director of Coach education Mr. Joseph Sidy (Ex-International 13th Asian Games & FIFA aadvance coaching course)
# Coach Mr. Nelson Sebastian (AFC C-License & AIFF Santosh Trophy Assistant Coach)
Madjer Cup :What meaning has the participation in the Madjer Cup to your players?
Dias United : Only team to represent from India means a great thing they are very much excited above all it’s an honour for players to represent in an Official Beach Soccer International Championship as it’s a BSWW a FIFA partnered organization giving recognition. A player quoted “The beginning opportunity is very much essential as we have a lot more to learn especially from Madjer the FIFA Beach Soccer legend” As we will be making history from our country it’s a very proud moment for the entire country.
Madjer Cup :What is the current scenario for Beach Soccer in India?
Dias United : India is a developing nation. There is a lot scope for beach soccer as it’s full of excitement & fun learning game. But we need an opportunity to grow. If given an opportunity together with support of Madjer & BSWW we can develop competition for players, coach & referee. Also have a governing organization in India with minimum 24States on board with the support of BSWW & Madjer.
Madjer Cup : We imagine that to bring a team to Portugal to attend the event involves the support and commitment from various entities. Which partners you would like to highlight, for making this participation a reality?
Dias United : The OPUS Group is the backbone as they are supporting in a financial way where as Spoedia takes care of operation & marketing. We have few other associates like Odicy, F7 Indian Federation will support in taking things to the next level. We are also in talks with Kit Manufacturers to be the Official Kit Sponsor as well.
Madjer Cup : There are any governmental organizations helping you on this project?
Dias United : As India is huge in population known as second most largest in the world. We have made an approach to the State Government of different States in India as there are 29 states and 7 Union Territories. They will reply for the same and we awaiting for their positive reply.
Madjer Cup : What your expectations about the Madjer Cup?
Dias United : We expect tournament broadcast or live stream in terms of corporate support together with print & electronic media so that it helps us to carry forward the work of beach soccer development the year long and prepare every year in a stronger manner. Also we expect technical support so that we can build a sustainable structure for beach soccer in India.
We are very much positive for participating in the Madjer Cup 2020.
Madjer Youth Beach Soccer Cup 2020 edition, to be held in next June will definitely add one more important brick in the construction of a pathway to young athletes aspiring to be the next Beach Soccer stars.
Madjer Cup started in 2017 with the Vision to provide young athletes and coaches an opportunity to become together and share their passion while competing and testing their abilities with players from all over the world.
This competition soon became a landmarkk in the World´s Beach Soccer Season Calendar, with athletes from all over the world dreaming to touch the golden sands of Figueira da Foz, one of the Beach Soccer Meccas and currently home for the Euro Beach Soccer Super League Final.
Madjer, the Beach Soccer GOAT is more and more committed to pass his passion for the game to the youth, leaving a huge legacy under his name : “I feel enormous pride in being part of the history of a sport that was little recognized at the time and which is now respected! If it depends on me, I will do everything to help in the growth of youth beach soccer.”
Right now teams from Portugal, Spain, El Salvador, India and Italy are confirmed, with many more confirmations expected in the coming weeks.
FBSC : Madjer, in 2020 the 3rd edition of the Madjer Youth Cup takes place. From the first day that this idea was born until today, how do you see the evolution of this competition?
M: Firstly, we have been increasing the number of athletes as the diversification of countries in a sustained and thoughtful way!
FBSC : Unfortunately due to your competitive commitments, you did not have the opportunity to be present in the last two editions. Still, seeing from a distance and based on what people told you, what would you highlight at this event?
M: Fair-Play without a doubt and the exchange of experiences between countries!
FBSC : You ended your career at the last World Championship, winning the title of World Champion. Looking back, when you were 17, 18, 19 and started taking your first steps in the sport, what do you feel?
M: I feel enormous pride in being part of the history of a sport that was little recognized at the time and which is now respected! In addition, thank you for supporting beach soccer!
FBSC : Beach Soccer is already a very consolidated sport in terms of elite, but there is still a lack of a model to follow in youth soccer, with well-defined schedules and competitions. Do you believe that this situation will continue for some time, or will we soon be able to witness the affirmation of Youth Beach Football?
M: If it depends on me, I will do everything to help in the growth of youth beach soccer.
FBSC : Finally, what message would you like to send to young athletes who will participate in the Madjer Cup in 2020?
M: May they continue to dream and promote Fair Play which is undoubtedly the hallmark of this competition!
Figueira Crows Portugal as Beach Soccer European Chamipns for its 6th Time!! After being losing by 2-0 against Russia, the Portuguese fans who completely filled the stadium pulled the Portguese National Team for an historic come back!!
The third day of competition of the European Beach Soccer Final, played in Figueira da Foz promises many emotions and dramatic decisions!
In group 1 of the Elite Division three teams, Belarus, Russia and Spain, are in a position to guarantee access to the final, so the match between Belarus and Spain (14.15h) will be the first great moment of the day!Russia face Switzerland (16.45h), in a game that may or may not decide the Czars team will go to the final depending on the outcome of the previous game.
In group 2 all decisions are in store for the match between Portugal vs Italy, as whoever wins this game gets the passport to tomorrow’s grand final (Sunday 6 pm)
Check out the group ratings and game schedule below!
After hosting the last of the 7 editions of Mundialito in Figueira da Foz in 2004, this city is once again the scene of one of the biggest Beach Soccer events in the world!
The final of the Beach Soccer European League Super Final will be held at the Praia de Buarcos Sports Zone between September 5th to 8th !!
16 countries in two divisions A and B will compete for the title of European Champion (division A) and the rise to elite division (division B).
Divion A Division B
1. Spain 1. Azerbeijan
2. Portugal 2. Greece
3. Italy 3. Hungary
4. Belarruss 4. Georgia
5. Ukraine 5. Romenia
6. Russia 6. Kazakhstan
7. Turkey 7 . Bulgaria
8. Switzerland 8. Czech Republic
For 4 days the Old Continent best Beach Soccer will be played in the golden sands of Figueira da Foz, and you can not miss the fantastic moments that will live in the fantastic 2500 seat stadium set up to host this competition !!
