It follows a meeting of the GAISF Council in Olympic capital Lausanne.

Observer status is viewed as the first step for sports who hope to earn full membership of GAISF, the umbrella body for all International Federations (IFs).

IFs with the status are able to "take advantage of the GAISF network to grow and develop".

They can also take part in the annual IF Forum, but have no voting rights.

Joining GAISF is a key step for any sport hoping to make the Olympic programme, which is a long-term ambition for teqball.

"This decision reflects the growth and professionalisation of the sport of teqball around the world, with 45 National Federations already established across all five continents," FITEQ said.

Marius Vizer Jr, the general secretary of FITEQ, added: "We are delighted to achieve the GAISF observer status. 

"We are still a young sport and are very grateful to the GAISF family for their guidance and for accepting our ideas.

"On behalf of FITEQ, I would like to thank everyone involved in this journey so far, in particular the National Federations who have been instrumental in the global growth of teqball. 

"We are determined to use the momentum of this landmark to make 2020 another record-breaking year and continue to introduce teqball to people around the world."

Teqball was recognised by the Olympic Council of Asia in 2018 and the Association of National Olympic Committees of Africa in June 2019.

It will be a full medal sport at the Asian Beach Games in Sanya this November and December.

"I am delighted that the GAISF Council granted observer status to FITEQ and the innovative and dynamic sport of teqball," GAISF President Raffaele Chiulli said.

"With observer status, teqball, which featured as part of the cultural programme for the recent GAISF World Urban Games in Budapest, will continue to develop for the benefit of all its stakeholders. 

"I look forward to watching teqball grow and have no doubt that GAISF can help FITEQ develop its sport globally."