2024 Transplant Football World Cup
08-14 September 2024 | Cervia, Italy
The World Transplant Games Federation has announced that the first Transplant Football World Cup will be held in Cervia, Italy.
Promoting the Gift of Life through “the beautiful game”.
About the Transplant Football World Cup
For forty-five years, the World Transplant Games Federation has been working to improve the lives of organ transplant recipients around the world by encouraging participation in Olympics-style events every two years – the summer and winter World Transplant Games – and to call attention to the success of this miraculous medical therapy that allows critically ill individuals to have their health and prosperity restored through the miracle of organ donation.
Continuing the WTGF’s mission, the Federation’s Board of Directors approved establishing a significant new initiative – the Transplant Football World Cup – to provide a new and exciting international event for transplant football. Modelled on the FIFA World Cup, the competition will feature teams from the Federation member countries competing in a World Cup format to crown an International Champion.
Teams will be composed of transplant recipients using the same criteria as those used for the summer and winter World Transplant Games. Heart, lung, liver, kidney, pancreas, and bone marrow recipients will unite on the pitch to celebrate their second chance at life. Men and women of all ages can compete for their country in this inaugural event.
As many as 14 nations are expected to send teams to participate in a 7-a-side week- long promotion of organ donation, demonstrating that those with a transplant can achieve anything in their chosen sport.
KEY EVENT INFORMATION
| Dates | 08 – 14 September 2024 |
| Venue | Cervia, Italy |
| Format | As in the FIFA World Cup, teams will compete in a preliminary round, with the top teams qualifying for a knockout semi-final and final round. The exact format will be determined after the number of participating teams is known. |
| Team Sizes | Matches will be staged following FA rules for 7-person teams with some modifications to safeguard the transplanted organs of the athletes. Teams will consist of a minimum of 10 and a maximum of 16 players - at least two reserve players are strongly recommended. |
| Genders | Mixed Gender event – all genders, 16 years or age or older can play for their country’s team. |
| Games Duration | The games will be 20 minute halves, with unlimited substitutions allowed. |
| Playing Field | The playing field is 50 meters by 35 meters, with a 6 by 2 meter goal. |
| Playing Surface | Artificial surface (artificial grass with propylene). |
| Eligibility | The eligibility rules for this event are the same as for the Summer and Winter World Transplant Games. Entry is open to all recipients of life supporting allografts (heart, intestine, kidney, liver, lung, pancreas) and hemopoetic cell (bone marrow) transplants from other individuals or species which require or have required the use of immunosuppressive drug therapies. |
| No. of Teams | 14 Nations have expressed interest so far. |
| Hosts | AICS Direzione Nazionale, in cooperation with ANED, the Associazione Nazionale Emodializzati Dialisi e Trapianto. |
| Insurance | It will be the responsibility of each team to ensure their team members have adequate medical and repatriation insurance relevant to Italy. Proof will have to be submitted. |
| Teams Per Country | One team per WTGF Member Country will be permitted to enter. |
EVENT PROGRAM
| Day 1: Sun 08 Sep | 17h30 | Arrival day – arrive at accommodation |
| 20H30 | Opening Ceremony with Buffet & Welcome Drink (hosted by ANED) | |
| Day 2: Mon 09 Sep | AM | Round 1 |
| Day 3: Tues 10 Sep | AM | Round 2 |
| Day 4: Wed 11 Sep | AM | Round 3 |
| PM | Conference | |
| Day 5: Thurs 12 Sep | AM | Semi-Finals |
| Day 6: Fri 13 Sep | AM | Finals |
| PM | Gala Dinner and Award Ceremony | |
| Day 7: Sat 14 Sep | Departures |
Provisions at the Venue
PACKAGE PRICES & Inclusions
| PACKAGE PRICES | ||
| COSTS PER PERSON | PACKAGE A - Full Board Package | PACKAGE B - Non-accommodation |
| PLAYERS & STAFF - Double Room | €500 | €200 |
| PLAYERS & STAFF - Single Room | €596 | |
| PLAYERS & STAFF - Triple Room | €476 | |
| SUPPORTERS - Double Room | €470 | €120 |
| SUPPORTERS - Single Room | €566 | |
| SUPPORTERS - Triple Room | €446 | |
| The following discounts will be given for children: | ||
| Children 7 - 12 years | €60 | |
| Children 4 - 6 years | €120 | |
| Children 0 - 3 years | Free | |
| PACKAGE INCLUDES | ||
| Event Participation (Venue, referees, balls, bibs, water, massage centre, results, event program) |  | |
| 6 Nights Accommodation - 3* Hotel | |  |
| Full Board (breakfast, lunch, dinner) | | |
| Airport arrival & departure transfers & local transfers | | |
| Opening ceremony parade with buffet & welcome drink | | |
| Registration bag, shirt, lanyard | | |
| Gala Dinner | | |
| Medical Services | | |
** NOTE: All payments are made directly to the HOSTS (AICS) in Euro’s – Package prices are in EURO’s
Payment Terms & Conditions
GENERAL REGISTRATION INFORMATION
The Location
The Transplant Football World Cup will take place in Cervia, Italy, a picturesque seaside town in the northern province of Ravenna on the east coast of Italy. It is approximately 100 km southeast of Bologna and 350 km north of Rome. It is well known as a seaside resort with a history that stretches back to the first century BC and was officially founded in the 14th century. Cervia has over 9 km of sandy beaches on the Adriatic Sea and is less than a 3-hour drive to Venice, Bologna, and Florence, with Rome only 4 hours away.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Match Format?
7 a side, unlimited substitutions, 2 x 20minute halves (running time). One team per WTGF member country. The playing field is 50 meters by 35 meters, with a 6 by 2 meter goal.
Is it mixed gender?
Yes, the World Cup is open to both genders, and teams can play mixed.
How many players will be required?
It is highly recommended that teams consist of a minimum of 10 players (7 plus at least 3 substitutions). Substitutions are unlimited, so countries are encouraged to consider playing conditions and injury risk when choosing the number of players they wish to bring. The maximum team size is 16.
Can teams just bring one competitive kit with bibs used in the case of similar strips?
Yes, provision will be made to allow a team to only need one kit.
What is the closest international airport?
Venice, Bologna, and Florence are all within easy reach approx. 3 hours drive, with Rome being only 4 hours away. Transfers from the Bologna airport are included with full registration.
Will transfers be included as part of the registration cost?
Transfers from the Bologna airport and rail station will be included as part of the registration, when the full board option has been selected.
Can my family accompany me?
Absolutely, Cervia has over 9 km of sandy beaches on the Adriatic Sea, we encourage competitors to bring family to spectate and then enjoy a vacation in this wonderful part of the world following the tournament.
Can I extend my stay following the competition?
It is encouraged, there are many wonderful areas and sights to see.
What are we playing for?
There will be a perpetual Trophy and medals for the place getting teams, as well as bragging rights.
Can corneal transplants participate?
No. The same qualifications apply as those for all World Transplant Games Federation events..
Can living donors participate?
No, at this stage the Transplant Football World Cup is open to transplant recipients only. It is hoped that the tournament may grow to include exhibition events for living donors and donor families.
GET INVOLVED
Participation in the Transplant Football World Cup is facilitated through the WTGF Member Countries. Please get in touch with the member country organisation in your country for more information.
For more information:
Email: wtgf@wtgf.org