BANGKOK (18 Jan 2012) – Thai premier Yingluck Shinawatra launched the official tournament logo and mascot of the 2012 FIFA Futsal World Cup in Bangkok yesterday. The event was also attended by Zhang Jilong, the acting president of the AFC and Datuk Worawi Makudi, the president of the FA of Thailand (FAT).
The emblem’s design reflected the delicateness of Thai fine arts, while the elephant – a symbol of strength and intelligence – was chosen as mascot.
“It is indeed an honour for Thailand to host the FIFA Futsal World Cup in November this year,” said Yingluck. “Four years ago, we were proud that our Futsal team qualified for the World Cup finals in Brazil. Now we have a chance to bring this event directly to Thais.”
The 24 teams that have qualified for the finals will be split into six groups of four. Four groups will compete at Bangkok’s Indoor Stadium Hua Mark and Nimitbuth Stadium, while the other two play in the northeastern province of Nakhon Ratchasima.
With the tournament slated for November, the official draw will be held in Bangkok in August.
