PANJIM: Portugal, which has a huge presence of Catholics, is most likely to be on board for the Expo 2014 Unity World Cup which gets underway in the month of December.
Brazil, with four National players, Nigeria and Ghanna from Africa, Egypt from the Middle East, Sri Lanka and host India from the subcontinent have already confirmed their participation.
John Paul II foundation for Sports (Goa) an ecclesiastical body of the Archdiocese of Goa will be hosting the International Football Championship for Expo 2014 Unity World Cup.
Fr. Alfred Vaz, convenor of the Organising Committee appeared very optimistic of Portugal’s participation with negotiations appearing a positive note.
“Talks are also on with Germany, Italy and Australia and the outcome will be known by the week end,” Fr. Vaz disclosed.
Fr Vaz informed Herald that more countries have expressed their desire to participate in the Expo 2014 World Unity Cup.
“The tournament was initially planned for an eight team draw, but we could increase the number of counties participating to 12. As of now the matter is under discussion as we need to be able to handle the logistics,” Fr Vaz said adding that by the week end the details will be clear.
The Goans will have football coming out of their ears with the Durand Cup and the Federation Cup scheduled during the month of December besides the matches of the Indian Super League interspersed.
The international teams for the Expo 2014 World Unity Cup will assemble in Goa on December 5 and will be divided into two groups which will play the League format.
Due to the intense football activities and availability of infrastructure the Hyderabad and the Bangalore Diocesan lapped up on the opportunity and have come forward to host the group stage matches.
Group A matches will be played at the GMC Balayogi Stadium, Gachibowli in Hyderabad while the Group B matches will be played Sri Kanteerava Stadium in Bangalore.
The first semifinals will be played on December 11 and the second semifinals will be played on December 12. The final will be held on December 14, at Jawaharlal stadium, Fatorda.
