Abkhazia to Bid to Host 2028 CONIFA World Football Cup

SUKHUM / AQW'A — Abkhazia is to submit a bid to host the 2028 CONIFA World Football Cup. If successful, the tournament will coincide with the 35th anniversary of victory in the 1992–1993 Patriotic War of the People of Abkhazia.

President Badra Gunba announced the plans during a meeting with CONIFA President Per-Anders Blind, who is visiting the republic.

Gunba underlined the importance of cooperation with the international football organisation, which brings together 35 federations representing territories with a combined population of more than one billion.

He said hosting the tournament would give Abkhazia an opportunity to raise its international profile and draw greater attention to the republic.

The president recalled that Abkhazia hosted the CONIFA World Football Cup in 2016. The tournament left lasting memories among residents, while the memorable final between Abkhazia and Panjab gave supporters an unforgettable experience. Gunba pledged that, should the bid be approved, Abkhazia would make every effort to deliver the 2028 tournament to the highest standard.

Blind, for his part, said he was delighted to return to Sukhum and welcomed the positive changes he had seen in the republic in recent years.

The CONIFA president said participants in the 2016 tournament had developed a deep affection for Abkhazia and that the competition was still regarded as one of the best in the organisation’s history. He expressed confidence that CONIFA members would support Abkhazia’s bid to host the 2028 event.

The meeting was also attended by Beslan Eshba, head of the Presidential Administration; CONIFA Vice-President Dmitry Pagava; and Public Chamber member Astamur Adleiba.