COACHES from the Brazilian Soccer Federation and other countries will visit the Guernsey and Jersey International Football Tournaments. It is a signal that they could become an international event.

Iain Mackenzie, of organisers Sporting Eventualities, said: ‘An international event is something we are aiming for, but this year we have Japan for the first time and we’re excited by that fact.

‘They are world champions in their under-21 age group and they will be bringing a party of 30 for the two tournaments in the islands.

‘For anyone with a passion for football it promises to be a fantastic two weeks,’ he added.

That no less a player than Luis Figo won an under-21 World Cup title with Portugal should be proof of the quality of footballer coming to Guernsey for the week-long event at the end of the month.

The Japanese squad, which will field two over-age players, as permitted by the tournament rules, has emulated what Figo achieved when he was the jewel of Portugal’s 1991 golden team, the backbone of which now forms the basis of the senior side that has reached the final of Euro 2004.

It has yet to be confirmed when tickets will be on sale, but Mr MacKenzie said that they would be available as soon as possible.

Those for seats in the stand will cost £10 and will be on sale at Beau Sejour.

General ground-entry tickets will be available on match days from a booth at Foote’s Lane.

Subject to confirmation, they are likely to cost £5 for adults and £3 for concessions.