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FIFA unveils official mascot Zharishka for 2021 Beach Soccer World Cup in Moscow

The mascot embodies both the traditional traits of a firebird of strength and perseverance and the joy and energy of beach soccer

© Mikhail Tereshchenko/TASS

MOSCOW, August 11. /TASS/. The world’s governing body of football, FIFA, unveiled on Wednesday an official mascot for the 2021 Beach Soccer World Cup, which kicks off this month in the Russian capital of Moscow, according to a statement from FIFA’s press office.

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"A dazzling firebird named Zharishka has soared in as the Official Mascot of the highly anticipated FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup Russia 2021," the statement reads.

The 2021 FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup in Russia is scheduled to take place between August 19 and 29 in the Russian capital of Moscow.

"Inspired by the Slavic folklore tradition, Zharishka embodies both the traditional traits of a firebird of strength and perseverance and the joy and energy of beach soccer," according to FIFA. "Inspiration for the choice of the mythical animal came from the brilliant yellow and red firebird featured in the tournament’s stunning official poster and the official emblem."

"Zharishka is the first Official Mascot in the history of beach soccer’s biggest event," the statement reads. "Zharishka will help to make this year’s edition of the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup one of the best ever by bringing the fun and excitement of the spectacle to youngsters and fans across the host city of Moscow and beyond."

Commenting on the official mascot of the 2021 FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup in Russia, FIFA Marketing Director Jean-Francois Pathy said: "Zharishka is a striking character who will be entertaining and engaging for fans of all ages, and especially youngsters."

"He is a wonderful symbol of the fun and passion of the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup and will help to tell the story of the event to a wider audience," Pathy said. "In keeping with the stunning visual assets that have been created for the tournament, Zharishka will play a key role in inspiring people to follow this special beach soccer celebration."

2021 FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup

A decision to award the Russian capital the right to host the 2021 FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup was made during the FIFA Council meeting in China’s Shanghai in late October 2019. Two other contenders to host the global beach soccer event in 2021 were FESFUT (the Salvadorian Football Association) and the Chilean Football Association.

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After Moscow was selected to host the 2021 FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup, the official website of municipal authorities launched a public opinion poll to choose among four proposed venues, including Red Square, where the matches of the global championship would be played. In early June, FIFA announced that: "Russia 2021 will be the 11th edition of the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup and will be held in its entirety at the Luzhniki Olympic Complex from 19 to 29 August."

Due to international sanctions against Russian sports, the team of Russian beach soccer players will be participating in the championship as Team RFU (the Russian Football Union).

Last month, FIFA announced the teams of four groups for the championship and they are: Group A (Team RFU, the United States, Paraguay and Japan), Group B (Mozambique, Spain, the United Arab Emirates and Tahiti), Group C (Belarus, El Salvador, Switzerland and Brazil), Group D (Portugal, Oman, Senegal and Uruguay).

The first FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup was held back in 1995, and Russia has never hosted this international biennial event. The Russian national beach soccer team won the World Championships twice (in 2011 and 2013).

The 2019 FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup was hosted between November 21 and December 1 in Luque, Paraguay near the capital, Asuncion, where the Russian national team won the bronze edging out Japan (5-4) in the match for third place. The Portuguese squad won the championship in Paraguay defeating Italy 6-4 in the final.

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