Cancun FUT 7 Fest to Draw Teams From 12 Countries

Cancún, Quintana Roo — Organizers announced Thursday that the third edition of the International FUT 7 Cancún Fest will take place Nov. 13-22 at the synthetic-turf fields in Supermanzana 21, bringing together teams from Mexico and 11 other countries.

The tournament will unfold in two stages. The women’s and over-40 veterans’ divisions will play from Friday, Nov. 13, through Sunday, Nov. 15, while the open division and over-34 veterans’ matches run from Monday, Nov. 16, through Sunday, Nov. 22.

Officials presented the details at a news conference at the Hooters restaurant in Malecón Américas. Rafael Botello, director of the organizing committee, led the presentation. The event is supported by the Benito Juárez Institute of Physical Culture and Sports (ICFDeportes) and the Quintana Roo Sports Commission (CODEQ).

“Cancún Fest is on par with the best tournaments in the country because of its attractive prizes, the quality of its players, and the added value of facing international teams,” said Alejandro Luna López, general director of ICFDeportes Benito Juárez. He added that the competition also helps strengthen sports tourism in Cancún.

The organizing committee says 60 teams have already registered and it expects close to 100 squads, with clubs from across Mexico as well as Argentina, Colombia, Costa Rica, Chile, Ecuador, El Salvador, Spain, the United States, Guatemala, Honduras and Panama.

Confirmed former professional players include Ecuadorian Walter Ayoví and Mexicans Francisco “Maza” Rodríguez, Paul Aguilar, Isaac “Conejito” Brizuela and José Juan “Gallito” Vázquez.

The total prize pool is 1.6 million pesos: 700,000 pesos for the open division, another 700,000 split between the two veterans’ divisions and 200,000 pesos for the women’s division. Team entry costs 25,000 pesos.

Wilberth Flores, speaking for CODEQ president Jacobo Arzate Hop, highlighted the event’s mix of local talent, former professionals, veterans and women’s football. “These elements will make this third edition complete and high-caliber,” he said.

Former top-flight players Irving “Turbo” Zurita and Sergio “Zipo” Nápoles, both from Cancún, served as guests of honor for the presentation, celebrating that the city now has a tournament capable of attracting major seven-a-side teams and players. Botello also introduced Armando Macías, director of MotionEvents, as the newest member of the organizing committee, and thanked Mili Méndez for hosting the news conference.