Sepp Blatter Governing Quotations

Personally, I still think the idea of holding such a high-profile opening event is a good one. FIFA has not taken the decision to cancel the event at such a late stage lightly, but as world football's governing body, we must put sporting considerations first.

It is therefore absolutely logical for FIFA, the governing body of football, to extend its reach into beach soccer and we look forward to bringing all of the knowledge and expertise that FIFA has to improving beach soccer, whilst being careful to preserve the sense of spontaneity and fun that are essential to the sport.