Holders South Ossetia will meet 2019 hosts Artsakh and tournament newcomers Kernow Football Alliance in Group C of this summer’s fourth CONIFA European Football Cup. 

Meanwhile, Western Armenia, beaten 1-0 by South Ossetia in the final at Stepanakert Republican Stadium, will face two-time champions Padania and Chameria in Group D.

Group A features hosts County of Nice, World Football Cup winners in 2014, who will entertain 2017 runners-up Northern Cyprus and Sardinia who, like Kernow FA, are preparing for their first appearance at a CONIFA competition. 

Finally, 2016 World Football Cup champions Abkhazia line up in Group B alongside Sapmi and Szekely Land.

Each team will play the others in their group stage once, with placement matches to follow, meaning everyone will play at least four matches.

CONIFA President, Per-Anders Blind, said: “I am extremely proud to present the fourth edition of the European Football Cup. During the years we have had the honour of showing amazing and beautiful locations, often unknown to the rest of the world. Now we have the great honour to present an amazing location in Nice and tell the story of this shining diamond in Southern France. 

“I want to take the opportunity to address the appreciation from all over the world to our European President, Alberto Rischio, and his continental committee members who have done an amazing job to prepare the tournament to its best. I of course include the President of the County of Nice, Adil Echaoui.”

CONIFA’s European President, Alberto Rischio, added: “We are proud to launch the fourth edition of the European Football Cup. It will be a fantastic event with 12 teams, 12 cultures and 252 players. 

“The region of Nice is located in one of the most beautiful rivers in the world, the côte d’azur. We thank the great work of the local organising committee, the Municipality of Nice, all the sponsors who are supporting the Championship. Thank you and see you in June.”