Search
Close this search box.
Search
Close this search box.

Belarus Stirs Buzz with Historic Beach Soccer World Cup Move

Beach Soccer World Cup Belarus Historic Controversy

In the final moments of extra time, Ihar Bryshtsel, a seasoned player, scored the crucial goal that secured Belarus a spot in the beach soccer World Cup semifinals for the first time in history.

My last-second shot was out of this world! I am a big fan of Steph Curry. I saw him make a last-second shot. Bryshtsel expressed his excitement about scoring one himself for FIFA afterwards.

Before Belarus defeated two-time champion Portugal, several players at the tournament thought Belarus had a shot at winning the whole thing.

However, the team’s involvement in Dubai has sparked some controversy.

Belarus, who have not advanced beyond the group stage previously, secured qualification for the tournament along with Italy, Portugal, and Ukraine. The Ukrainian football association (UAF) has urged Beach Soccer Worldwide and FIFA to exclude Belarus from competition or require them to participate under a neutral banner due to their involvement in Russia’s conflict in Ukraine.

There are different rules for athletes competing in various sports. The IOC has decided to allow individual Russian and Belarusian athletes to participate in the Paris Olympics as neutrals, without their national flag or anthem, under the condition that they have not actively supported the war or are not contracted to the military. Earlier this year, tennis player Aryna Sabalenka secured her second consecutive Australian Open victory while competing under a neutral flag.

It is evident that Ukraine’s wish for Belarus to compete in Dubai under neutral colors was not fulfilled. It seems that the Ukraine team did not register for the tournament, even though they qualified, because the Ukrainian Sports Ministry has issued a decree prohibiting national teams from participating in events where Russia and Belarus are present. Ukraine did not take part in the last two tournaments due to the ongoing conflict, with the previous one being held in Russia in 2021.

UAF did not provide a response to DW’s request for comment.

No ruling on Belarus

Since 2022, the European governing body, UEFA, has expelled Russian football teams from all club and international competitions. However, in September 2023, UEFA lifted the ban, permitting the country’s U-17 sides to participate.

According to a FIFA spokesperson who spoke to DW, Belarus was not included in the FIFA Council‘s decision to impose bans, as only Russia was specifically named. As a result, Belarus can now participate in Dubai.

In 2023, more than 100 MEPs from the European Parliament called for Belarus to be expelled from participating in Euro 2024 qualifiers. However, UEFA only decided to prohibit Belarus from playing at home and revoked their hosting rights for the women’s U-19 Euros in 2025. MEPs did not provide a response when contacted by DW for a comment regarding Belarus’ involvement in Dubai.

Beach soccer attracts a large audience, with FIFA reporting that 63 million viewers tuned in to watch the last tournament in 2021. Back then and now, fans have been captivated by Ihar Bryshtsel’s performances and Belarus’ journey to the final four. Even in the sunny and sandy city of Dubai, the impact of war is still felt.


Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Related Articles

Top Trending

low maintenance short natural haircuts for black females
5 Low Maintenance Short Natural Haircuts for Black Females
What is Claressa Shields' Boxing Record
What is Claressa Shields' Boxing Record? A Detailed Examination of her Career Stats and Achievements
How Much is Claressa Shields Worth
How Much is Claressa Shields Worth? A Deep Dive into the Boxer's Net Worth and Earnings
andy cohen net worth
Andy Cohen Net Worth: Find Out How He Became a Multi-Millionaire in 2025
Who is Claressa Shields' Mother
Who is Claressa Shields' Mother: The Untold Story of Her Family and Struggles

LIFESTYLE

summer birthday party ideas
Creative Summer Birthday Party Ideas for Kids in 2025
May 6 Zodiac
May 6 Zodiac: Positive Traits, Compatibility and More about Taurus
self storage solutions for life transitions
How Self Storage Can Help During Major Life Changes (Divorce, Moving, etc.)?
why is my poinsettia dying
Why Is My Poinsettia Dying? Tips To Revive Your Wilting Poinsettia Plant
crypto retirement plan strategies
7 Ways Crypto Can Reshape Your Retirement Plan for the Future

Entertainment

andy cohen net worth
Andy Cohen Net Worth: Find Out How He Became a Multi-Millionaire in 2025
rihanna hinted pregnancy before met gala
Rihanna Hinted at Pregnancy Before Met Gala, Says Anna Wintour
Jules Ari
Jules Ari Age, Height, Relationship, Family, Biography, and Net Worth
rocket league unblocked
Rocket League Unblocked: Soccer And Vehicular Mayhem Online Game
smokey robinson sexual assault allegations
Smokey Robinson Faces Sexual Assault Allegations by 4 Women

GAMING

Best Mobile Horror Games
The Best Mobile Horror Games That Will Keep You Up at Night
Evolution of Video Game Graphics
The Evolution of Video Game Graphics: 1980s to 2025
Best Workouts Inspired by Video Games
Level Up Your Fitness: Best Video Game-Inspired Workouts
rocket league unblocked
Rocket League Unblocked: Soccer And Vehicular Mayhem Online Game
Maksym Krippa GSC Game World
S.T.A.L.K.E.R. Reimagined: How Maksym Krippa’s Entry Reshaped GSC Game World in 2023

BUSINESS

Business Behind Game Localization
The Business Behind Game Localization: How It Works
International Employment Agencies
How international employment agencies can help you find talent in hard-to-reach markets?
Transition Your Business to Web3
How to Transition Your Business to Web3 Successfully
How to Calculate Quarterly Tax Payments
How to Calculate Quarterly Tax Payments in 5 Easy Steps
credit suisse tax evasion
Credit Suisse Fined $511M for U.S. Offshore Tax Evasion Scheme

TECHNOLOGY

bill gates accuses elon musk of harming poor children
Bill Gates Blames Elon Musk for Harming World's Poorest Children
interactive videos with AI voice
Guide for Making Interactive Videos with AI Voice
Maksym Krippa GSC Game World
S.T.A.L.K.E.R. Reimagined: How Maksym Krippa’s Entry Reshaped GSC Game World in 2023
Strengthening Cybersecurity with Security Operations
Strengthening Cybersecurity with Security Operations, CWPP, and Product Security
pitch a game idea
How to Pitch a Game Idea to a Developer or Publisher?

HEALTH

Yimusanfendi
7 Incredible Benefits of Yimusanfendi Meditation and Possible Side Effects
Connection Between Hydration and Urinary Health
The Connection Between Hydration and Urinary Health
Neuralink Brain Implant Patient Regains Speech
Neuralink Brain Implant Helps ALS Patient Regain Speech with AI Support
Wegovy for Weight Loss
Wegovy for Weight Loss: Is It Worth Buying Online?
Role of Sperm DNA Fragmentation Testing in IVF
The Role of Sperm DNA Fragmentation Testing in IVF with ICSI Success