By Victor Kanayo
World football governing body, FIFA, has unveiled TANÍ as the official mascot of the upcoming U-17 Women’s World Cup 2024 slated for Dominican Republic.
According to FIFA in a statement on its official website, “The mascot’s name was inspired by the Taíno people indigenous to the Caribbean island and merged with the name ‘Ana’, which in the Taíno language translates as ‘flower’. The unique character embodies the tremendous natural beauty of the country, and is based on the Bayahibe rose, the national flower of the Dominican Republic.
“The use of the flower also signifies the blossoming natural talent and spirit of the players, who will be the last to compete in the tournament’s current biennial 16-team format before it is expanded to an annual 24-team competition from 2025.
“The mascot will be seen at games in the two host cities: the capital Santo Domingo, at the Felix Sanchez Stadium, and in Santiago de los Cabelleros, at the CFC Stadium.”
Brazil, Colombia, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, England, Japan, Kenya, DPR Korea, Korea Republic, Mexico, New Zealand, Nigeria, Poland, Spain, USA and Zambia are the countries that qualified for the global tournament.
Meanwhile, FIFA has listed Nigeria Premier Football League side, Katsina United alongside 22 other African clubs from registering players.
A search on the FIFA website showed that Katsina United began their ban on June 12, 2024 to elapse after three registration period. The ban is due to recent contractual infractions involving the club and some players.
The other clubs banned are DC Motema Pembe, TP Mazembe, Future FC, Al Masry, Zamalek SC, Horoya AC, Raja Club Athletic, Wydad Athletic Club, African Stars FC, Kiyovu Sports Association, Royal AM, and TS Galaxy FC.
Others are Singida Big Stars FC, Tabora United, Club Africain, CS Sfaxien, Etoile du Sahel, US Monastir, Mbarara City FC, Buildcon FC, Indeni FC, and Lusaka Dynamos FC.
