Futsal Added to Pan American Games

(ATR) The indoor game of football known as futsal has been approved for a one-time appearance in the 2007 Pan American Games in Rio de Janeiro, one of five additional sports approved this weekend for the games. All come with big caveats, however.

In addition to futsal, the executive committee of the Pan American Sports Organization approved bowling, water ski, karate and roller sports.

Adding those events to the Rio Pan Ams will bring the total number of sport on the 2007 program to 33.

But in adding the new events, PASO will require that those sports pay the costs of airfare for athletes, officials, judges and other technical personnel required.

In the case of futsal, parent federation FIFA has 60 days to respond to the Pan Am invitation and come up with a proposal to finance and organize the event.

Futsal is being added at the behest of the Brazilian organizers which is one of the world powers in the sport.

Some politicking was required to add futsal to the Rio games. PASO President Mario Vazquez Rana explained that to accommodate the request of Brazil, a compromise was reached to include bowling, water ski, karate and roller sports. The only other so-called Pan Am Sports left out of the compromise were racquetball and squash.

The PASO General Assembly opens Monday in Rio that includes a visit by IOC President Jacques Rogge. More than 400 delegates and guests are expected over the next three days.

On the scene coverage from Rio de Janeiro all week long, from www.aroundtherings.com, for subscribers only.