Seychelles Hailed as ‘Sixth Player on the Pitch’ After Beach Soccer World Cup
VICTORIA, Seychelles — Commenting on the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup 2025 held on home soil between May 1 and 11, president of the Seychelles Football Federation Elvis Chetty described the local crowd as the sixth player on the pitch, praising the energy and warmth of Seychellois fans throughout the tournament.
Roland Duval and the local organising committee worked closely with FIFA officials including Beach Soccer World Cup Seychelles 2025 venue manager Gabino Renales, FIFA sports management student Jules-Antoine Bidé, and FIFA people and culture business partner Monika Kreppold. Mr González noted that for the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup 2025, everything from the infrastructure to the volunteering, and especially the local fans, met the highest standards set by FIFA.
The tournament brought together thousands of spectators over the eleven days, with matches played at the new beach soccer arena in the heart of the capital. The Seychelles Football Federation said the event had put Seychelles firmly on the international football map, and that the lessons learnt would be carried into future sporting events. The federation also expressed its gratitude to the government, sponsors, and volunteers whose efforts ensured the smooth running of the tournament.
