Tuvalu is still hopeful it can join the world football body, FIFA despite its vulnerability to climate change

With the hype of the football World Cup in Qatar coming to an end on Monday with the win by Argentina against France, the small island nation of Tuvalu is still hopeful it can join the world football body, FIFA despite its vulnerability to climate change.

The country’s Foreign Affairs Minister Simon Kofe told Al Jazeera there is little space available for football on the main island.

Kofe said the island’s airstrip is used as an alternative football pitch. But during high tide and king tide, ‘water seeps through the ground’.

Tuvalu has tried to join FIFA but the requirement is to join the regional football body, the Oceania Football Confederation (OFC).

“Football is an inclusive sport and I hope country like Tuvalu can be considered for membership with FIFA. We are asking for flexibility around membership rules to allow people to play football, despite the impact of climate change.

“To join OFC, we are required to have a football stadium and a proper field and accommodation to host international game,” said Kofe.

Here is the video, first published on Al Jazeera.