Beach Soccer: Visa denial cost Kebbi club world tourney spot

Nigerian champions Kebbi Beach Soccer Club have missed out on the 2024 World Winners Cup in Alghero, Italy, after the Italian Embassy denied them visas to attend the six-day tournament, which began on Tuesday.

They were walked over in their first match of the competition as the organisers awarded three points and three goals to their opponents Copenhagen BSC of Denmark.

Kebbi BSC were supposed to be in Group C with Copenhagen BSC, Real Münster of Germany, and Al-Taawoun Club from Saudi Arabia.

The club had announced Tuesday morning that they could not make it to the World Winners Cup over delayed visas by the Italian Embassy.

“Kebbi Beach Soccer Club (KBSC) regret to announce that the team will not be participating in the 2024 Beach Soccer Worldwide (BSWW) organised “World Winners Cup” in Alghero, Italy, this month,” the club announced via X.

“This decision comes after the non-issuance of visas to the team by the Italian Embassy, citing a late application despite several communications since August.

“Although we are disappointed to miss out on the opportunity to feature in the World Cup for beach soccer clubs for the third time, we are committed to representing Nigeria and Africa at global events.”

In July, Kebbi Beach Soccer Club emerged winners of the 2024 Nigeria Beach Soccer League for the third time, underscoring their dominance of the domestic league, where they have now shifted their attention.

“We now shift focus on preparation for the 2024/2025 Kebbi Beach Soccer League (KBSL) and 2025 Nigeria Beach Soccer League (NBSL) with the hope of retaining the league title and extending our haul to four in five seasons,” the club added in their statement.

“We would like to thank our fans, supporters, and stakeholders for their understanding and continued support during this time. We look forward to a greater future and tournaments ahead.”