Star InactiveStar InactiveStar InactiveStar InactiveStar Inactive
ZURICH, Switzerland (AP) - World soccer's governing body said Tuesday it had received five bids to host the 2004 world indoor soccer championship. 
Bahrain, Thailand, Egypt, Paraguay and Iran all confirmed they want to host the tournament, FIFA said. They have until Dec. 20 to submit final bid documents. 

FIFA said it would choose the host nation early next year. 

With five players per side and two 20-minute periods, indoor soccer - also known as futsal - is faster than the outdoor game and growing rapidly in popularity. Last year FIFA suggested the sport could be included in the 2008 Olympics in Beijing. 

The 2004 FIFA tournament will be the fifth since the futsal competition began in 1989. Brazil won the first three championships, with Spain the victor in 2000.
Top