President Wavel Ramkalawan welcomed members of the FIFA delegation to State House this morning, following the triumphant conclusion of the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup 2025—the first edition of the tournament ever to be held on African soil.
The delegation, comprising Jaime Yarza, Kasra Haghighi, Gabino Renales, Jules Bide, and Monika Kreppold, paid a courtesy call on the Head of State after the 11-day global event wrapped up on Sunday evening in Seychelles.
During the meeting, President Ramkalawan extended his sincere gratitude to FIFA for entrusting Seychelles with the responsibility and honour of hosting the prestigious tournament. He expressed immense pride in the seamless execution of the event and the exceptional atmosphere it generated, not only across the islands but throughout the wider football community.
"The FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup 2025 has been a historic and transformative moment for our nation. It brought together cultures, communities, and champions of the sport from all over the world. We thank FIFA for believing in Seychelles and for being part of this legacy,” said President Ramkalawan.
President Ramkalawan also commended the professionalism and dedication of FIFA, the Local Organising Committee, volunteers, and all stakeholders whose tireless efforts ensured the tournament’s resounding success. He further highlighted the long-term benefits the event brings—from upgraded sports infrastructure to elevated international visibility and the strengthened sense of national unity it inspired.
FIFA’s Director of Tournaments, Mr Jaime Yarza, expressed his own appreciation for the Government of Seychelles’ steadfast support, which he credited as instrumental in the tournament’s success. He praised the 2025 edition as among the finest he has witnessed in his two decades of organising FIFA Beach Soccer World Cups.
The visit concluded with an exchange of commemorative gifts and a reaffirmation of continued collaboration between Seychelles and FIFA to promote sports development and youth engagement across the archipelago.