Category: Futsal

Behrouz Azimi

Fury at Futsal World Cup as French accused of rigging match to get easier knockout route

26th September 2024

September 26 – The Futsal World Cup has exploded into controversy, with coaches making accusations of match-fixing following a heavy defeat for France against Iran.

Rivals have complained about the manner of the French performance in a 4-1 loss, a result that opened up a potentially easier passage through the tournament for Les Bleus in Uzbekistan.

After a lifeless first half, Iran easily prevailed after France conceded a soft opening goal in the second, triggering angry reactions from other teams, some of whom filed complaints to FIFA.

“FIFA is aware of complaints filed by participating teams at the FIFA Futsal World Cup Uzbekistan 2024 regarding the Group F match between France and IR Iran,” a FIFA spokesperson was quoted as saying. “No further comment will be made while this process is ongoing.”

While both teams had already qualified for the last 16, the result means France will take on Thailand before a potential quarter-final against Paraguay, while Iran face Morocco ahead of a possible last-eight clash against world number one Brazil.

“Iran and France, coaches and players alike, have disgraced my sport. You are a disgrace to the world,” Thailand coach Miguel Rodrigo wrote on X.

Retired Brazil great Falcao was quoted by French media as saying: “It shows a lack of respect for the World Cup. The match was clearly fixed from the first minute.”

A post on X by Libyan head coach Ricardo Iñiguez, whose team were eliminated from the competition at the group stage, also said the match had been a “disgrace” for the sport. “Libya is going to file an official complaint.”

But France coach Raphael Reynaud said the way the match played out was about avoiding bookings and injuries.

“It was Iran’s responsibility to be in charge of the game,” he said. “The draw is more open for us but our main goal was not to get booked and to avoid injuries.”

Tayebi: We’re targeting the semi-finals

When Hossein Tayebi stepped into the fray at the Huamark Indoor Stadium during Iran’s opening game at the FIFA Futsal World Cup Thailand 2012, he could scarcely have imagined that he would steal the show by notching the decisive goal as his country held eventual finalists Spain to a draw.

Just 24 at the time, he was the third youngest member of an Iran squad embarking on their sixth Futsal World Cup campaign. He began the match on the bench, but made his mark after coming on and then opening his account in this prestigious tournament.

Tayebi recently looked back on this experience in an interview with FIFA.com: “We couldn’t have got off to a better start in the competition. As I recall, we could even have beaten Spain. Personally speaking, I couldn’t have dreamed of a better start to the World Cup because my goal earned us a point.”

“We played that first game with all our heart. We were determined to get that World Cup up and running on a positive note. The staff had studied Spain’s style of play in depth and I remember that we almost scored a winner, hitting the post at 2-2. Spain performed well against us – they’re a great team and I have a lot of respect for them.”

Following this draw with the Spaniards, Iran overcame Morocco and Panama to progress from the group in second place. However, their run was ended in the Round of 16 by Colombia, a defeat that continued to rankle the Tasisat Daryaei schemer for a long while afterwards.

“It was really disappointing to get knocked out by Colombia. I can remember the match perfectly. We had a man sent off. We hardly allowed Colombia any chances, but then we lost it in the final moments. Before Thailand 2012, no one expected us to go out at that stage, but futsal dealt us a cruel hand that day.”

Reunion time Iran will be up against some familiar faces in the group stage of the FIFA Futsal World Cup Colombia 2016, where they will take on not just Spain but also Morocco, whom Tayebi and Co edged past four years ago. Their third opponents, meanwhile, will be somewhat more of an unknown quantity in Azerbaijan.

The Asian champions will once again be kicking off against Spain, on this occasion in Medellin on 12 September. Tayebi stressed that he and his team-mates will be gunning for victory in this heavyweight bout: “I can assure you that every time the Iranian national futsal team enter the pitch, we do so to win, because we’re among the world’s powerhouses in this sport. We respect the Spaniards but we want to win our first match in Colombia. Encounters between Spain and Iran are always spectacular and tight affairs, but we’re determined to get the win.”

“We know that Azerbaijan have a strong team, even though we’ve never faced them,” he continued. “The coaching staff have watched two of their games, though, and told us that they play some good stuff. As I said before, we play to win and that match will be no exception.”

Despite his confidence in his own side’s abilities, Tayebi is nevertheless mindful that several other countries have kicked on in recent years and so it will prove a tough task for Iran to achieve their goal of advancing to at least the last four.

“I think most teams’ level has improved, which means the competition will be stiff and there will be no easy games. There are no favourites on paper and every side will be made to work hard for wins.”

“We’re going to do our best to reach the semi-finals of the World Cup and play with heart. We respect all the other teams a great deal, but we’re determined to succeed.”

Inspired by Shamsaee Tayebi is hopeful that the strike he bagged in Thailand four years ago will not be his last on the world stage, although collective glory remains his number-one target. “I was delighted to find the net against Spain. It was the most important goal of my career. Scoring at a World Cup is something unforgettable for any player,” he said, before quickly clarifying that, “As far as I’m concerned, the team’s success comes before my scoring statistics.”

“It’s exciting to see your name on the scoresheet in a World Cup match but, like I said, the team’s targets are more important. The fact that I’ve scored at a World Cup before shows that I can play my part within the group.”

In his eagerness to do his bit and perform his role with aplomb, Tayebi is inspired by the example of former Iran stars such as ex-national team captain Vahid Shamsaee, whom he described as “one of the best players in futsal history”.

“Vahid is a real legend and I have tremendous respect for him. He’s a great man who had a lot of success in his career. I’m proud to be his compatriot. I love the way he played and I’m going to try to follow in his footsteps by living long in all the Iranian fans’ memories.”

Colombia 2016 could provide the perfect platform for Tayebi to fulfill this dream by not just adding to his World Cup goal tally, but accomplishing something that not even the great Shamsaee was able to – helping his country through to the semi-finals of the global showpiece.

Iran sink France to win group F

Salar Aghapour starred as IR Iran downed France to win Group F at the FIFA Futsal World Cup Uzbekistan 2024.

Iran’s futsal team outclassed France to win Group F at the FIFA Futsal World Cup Uzbekistan 2024™. Salar Aghapour was once again the hero for Team Melli, scoring twice to take his tally to the tournament to six. Iran will now play Morocco in a mouth-watering last-16 match-up. France, for their part, faces an easier-on-paper game against Thailand.

While missing several players due to illness and two due suspension, Iran was in full control of the game but their appetite for scoring was not evident. France, likewise was content with distributing the ball and waiting for a quick counterattack.

Salar Aghapour opened the scoring for Iran with Oladghobad and Rafieipour adding to the tally to make it 3-0, before Agahpour added a fourth to make it 4-0. Mamadou Toure scored France’s consolation goal for the match to end 4-1.

France lost to Portugal 4-1 in an earlier match and will be Team Melli’s next opponent in the round of 16 in Bukhara on 26th September. Winning that match, Iran will most probably meet Brazil in the quarter-finals.

France goals: Mamadou Toure (37) IR Iran goals: Salar Aghapour (25), Moslem Oladghobad (28), Alireza Rafieipour (30), Salar Aghapour (37) Player of the Match: Moslem Oladghobad (IR Iran)

Salar Aghapour

A world Class Futsal Player in the making.

Salar Aghapour, Futsal Team Melli player, formerly with Palma futsal team player, has been recently named the world’s best young player by Futsal Planet, the most prestigious futsal media outlet globally. This marks the first time in history that an Iranian has achieved this honor, highlighting Aghapour’s exceptional talent and dedication to the sport.

Aghapour led Palma to victory in the UEFA Futsal Champions League this season, showcasing his remarkable skills and leadership on the court. His contributions were pivotal in securing the championship, and his performance did not go unnoticed. Additionally, he played a crucial role in helping the Iranian national team reach the top of Asia, further cementing his status as a rising star in the futsal world.

At just 24 years old, the Gohar Zamin player has already made a significant impact in the FIFA Futsal World Cup Uzbekistan 2024, scoring four goals in two matches. It is not just the quantity of goals that stands out, but also the quality and skill with which he scores them. Each goal is a testament to his world-class ability, often leaving spectators in awe of their spectacular nature.

Aghapour’s skills are not limited to scoring. He is arguably the best ball distributor for Team Melli, consistently setting up his teammates with precise passes. His dribbling is also second to none, allowing him to navigate through defenses with ease. Despite being surrounded by more experienced players, Aghapour’s cool temperament and pace make him a standout performer.

His ability to remain composed under pressure and his quick decision-making on the court are qualities that set him apart from his peers. These attributes, combined with his technical prowess, suggest that Aghapour is on a path to join the elite ranks in the world of futsal. His journey is a source of inspiration for many young athletes in Iran and around the globe.

As Aghapour continues to develop and refine his game, the future looks incredibly bright for this young star. Fans and analysts alike are eager to see how he will continue to shape the future of futsal and bring further glory to his teams.

FIFA Futsal World Cup 2024 Draw

Draw throws up engrossing groupsShare

The six groups for Uzbekistan 2024 were set at the official draw in Samarkand’s resplendent Registan Square.

Group A: Uzbekistan, Netherlands, Paraguay, Costa Rica
Group B: Brazil, Cuba, Croatia, Thailand
Group C: Argentina, Ukraine, Afghanistan, Angola
Group D: Spain, Kazakhstan, New Zealand, Libya
Group E: Portugal, Panama, Tajikistan, Morocco
Group F: Iran, Venezuela, Guatemala, France

Hosts Uzbekistan, Netherlands, Paraguay, and Costa Rica will compete in one of the widest-open groups in FIFA Futsal World Cup™ history, while three reigning continental champions – Portugal, Panama and Morocco – will join Tajikistan in the first round. Title contenders Spain and Kazakhstan will collide in Group D. They have first-timers New Zealand and Libya for company. Record five-time champions Brazil went into a pool with Cuba, Croatia, and fast-emerging Thailand. Afghanistan, who will appear in a FIFA competition for the first time since 1948, will face 2016 champions Argentina, Ukraine, and Angola. Samarkand’s resplendent Registan Square, a UNESCO World Heritage Site on the ancient Silk Road, provided one of the most spectacular settings ever for the draw of a FIFA tournament. It was conducted by FIFA Director of Tournaments Jaime Yarza, with Uzbek football legend Server Djeparov, former Manchester United and France striker Louis Saha and Kike, who inspired Spain to back-to-back FIFA Futsal World Cup crowns, providing assistance.

Brazil and Spain conquered the first seven editions of the FIFA Futsal World Cup between them, five and two times apiece. Thereafter, Argentina and Portugal have etched their names on the trophy. Several emerging powers are threatening to do the same at this year’s finals, which begin on 14 September. Afghanistan, France, New Zealand, and Tajikistan will be making their tournament debuts, while Croatia and the Netherlands return for the first time in almost a quarter-century.

FIFA Futsal Men’s World Ranking

1st – Brazil 2nd – Portugal 3rd – Spain 4th – IR Iran 5th – Argentina 6th – Morocco 8th – Kazakhstan 9th – Thailand 10th – France 11th – Uzbekistan 12th – Ukraine 13th – Paraguay 16th – Croatia 19th – New Zealand 21st – Venezuela 30th – Afghanistan 31st – Costa Rica 34th – Tajikistan 36th – Netherlands 40th – Guatemala 44th – Panama 47th – Angola 50th – Libya 78th – Cuba

FIFA First ever Futsal Ranking

  • Futsal nations around the world ranked globally for the first time
  • Brazil tops both men’s and women’s charts; Portugal and Spain complete top three
  • Rankings will be key reference point for world futsal

FIFA has launched the official FIFA Futsal World Ranking, with powerhouses Brazil the first number-one nation on both the men’s and women’s chart as the rapidly growing sport takes another major step forward.

Iran’s Futsal Team Melli, recently crowned as AFC Futsal Asian Cup 2024 is ranked 4 in the list which will be regularly published, but unlike the FIFA Football Ranking, this will not be monthly!

Although the FIFA/Coca-Cola Men’s World Ranking for football has existed since December 1992, and women’s senior national teams have been officially ranked by FIFA since 2003, that has not previously been the case for futsal. However, the indoor game has enjoyed exponential growth in recent years and this milestone moment represents the natural next step, as well as being the first time that FIFA men’s and women’s rankings have been launched concurrently.

Broadcasts of the FIFA Futsal World Cup™ in Lithuania in 2021 attracted an average of 2.42 million viewers per match, a massive 130 percent increase from the previous edition in 2016. The FIFA Futsal World Cup Uzbekistan 2024™, which will be the first FIFA tournament staged in Central Asia, is likely to improve even on those impressive numbers, and a historic first FIFA Futsal Women’s World Cup™ will be held in 2025. Against this backdrop, FIFA has rolled out global rankings for its member associations’ women’s and men’s senior futsal national teams in recognition of the dynamic development of and global interest in the sport.

The initial rankings have been based on statistics gathered from over 4,600 FIFA ‘A’ matches. FIFA defines an international ‘A’ match as a match between two FIFA members for which both members field their first representative team (‘A’ team).

The new ranking system will also serve to seed teams for all upcoming editions of the FIFA Futsal World Cup – including during the recently announced draw for the 2024 competition in Uzbekistan. The system will likewise be used for qualification processes and enable comprehensive and consistent data to be gathered to monitor member associations in accordance with the FIFA Regulations Governing International Matches. That will support the prevention of practices that jeopardize the integrity of the sport, such as match manipulation.

In the nine editions of the FIFA Futsal World Cup to date, the inaugural top-ranked men’s side, Brazil, have been crowned champions five times and only failed to finish on the podium once. They are closely followed on the chart by Portugal, who arrive at this year’s FIFA Futsal World Cup as the holders and have won the last two European crowns. Spain, the two-time world (2000 and 2004) and seven-time European champions, are third in the standings.

Brazil’s women’s national team have been just as dominant as their male counterparts, having won all seven of the South American championships that they have contested. Spain and Portugal are again behind them on the women’s ranking, albeit in reverse order: three-time European champions Spain are second, with Portugal – who have finished runners-up to their Iberian rivals in two continental finals – in third.

Fans interested in attending the FIFA Futsal World Cup Uzbekistan 2024™ can register to receive ticketing updates here.

Futsal Team Melli powers to 13th title

SUN, 28 APRIL, 2024

Bangkok: I Iran waltzed their way to a record-extending 13th title with a 4-1 win over Thailand in the AFC Futsal Asian Cup™ Thailand 2024 final on Sunday. 

Iran seized control from the start at the Bangkok Arena to deny Thailand a maiden title as the Central Asian side made up for losing to Japan in the decider of the 2022 edition.

image content

Iran head coach Vahid Shamsaei was glad his side had redeemed themselves from losing the 2022 final.

“I remember the day I lost the 2022 final against Japan. I had to apologize to everyone, especially to the Iranian fans. Today, I’m happy that they stayed patient with me and I want to dedicate this trophy to everyone back home, especially my late father, who did not see me win the trophy as a head coach,” said Shamsaei.

Thailand head coach Miguel Rodrigo felt his side could have done better.

“I’m very sad for the Thailand fans, they truly deserve another game. We played with our hearts and I will never forget this day, that we played in the final at Bangkok Arena. I’m very disappointed but at the same time, we lost to a superior team,” said Rodrigo.

image content

Iran got off to a fine start, taking the lead in the first minute off a set-piece situation when Salar Aghapour teed-up Mahdi Karimi, who finished into the bottom corner of the net from the top of the arc.

Thailand, despite being urged on by the partisan crowd, struggled to break through, with Krit Aransanyalak finding his advances on the right flank consistently halted by Iran’s solid defending.

Thailand keeper Arut Senbat was kept on his toes, having to block Karimi’s forced drive from the left flank, before seeing Alireza Rafiei Pour pull his effort wide from inside the box.

image content

The hosts had their first look on goal in the fourth minute when Alongkorn Janphon lost his marker at the centre before playing the ball square to the advancing Therdsak Charoenphong, who fired his effort over the bar.

A lapse in concentration saw Thailand concede again in the fifth minute when Mohammadreza Sangsefidi played the ball on for the overlapping Moslem Oladghobad on the right flank, who supplied a pinpoint cross for Saeid Ahmad Abbasi to score his eighth goal of the tournament. 

image content

Thailand refused to concede defeat, with Suphawut Thueanklang seeing his set-piece effort saved by Iran keeper Bagher Mohammadi, who then did well to force Panut Kittipanuwong’s shot wide in a one on one situation.

The onus was on Thailand to find their way back and they did so in spectacular fashion in the 25th minute when Jirawat Sornwichian exchanged passes with Muhammad Osamanmusa before darting through centre and chipping the ball over Mohammadi.

image content

A relentless Iran responded two minutes later off a set-piece situation when Sangsefidi lofted the perfect cross to an unmarked Ali Asghar Hassanzadeh to volley home to regain their two-goal advantage.

Thailand, desperate to reduce the deficit in the second half, opted for the power play, but the move proved costly in the 34th minute as Mohammadi gained possession in his area before lofting the ball over to score Iran’s fourth to confirm his nation’s 13th AFC Futsal Asian Cup title. 

.Futsal Team Melli to the final match

Bangkok: Goalkeeper Bagher Mohammadi was the star a Iran defeated Uzbekistan 5-4 on penalties after their AFC Futsal Asian Cup Thailand™ 2024 semi-final ended 3-3 after extra-time on Friday.

Mohammadi saved two spot-kicks as Iran advanced to Sunday’s final against hosts Thailand, with the Central Asian side seeking a record-extending 13th AFC Futsal Asian Cup title. 

image content

Iran earned a free-kick in a dangerous position just seconds into the tie but Uzbekistan were quick to snuff out the attempt, with Ikhtiyor Ropiev playing the ball on for the overlapping Khusniddin Nishonov, who dragged his effort just inches off the right post.

It was a tense opening minutes with neither side giving an inch of space with Iran’s Salar Aghapour seeing his effort from a distance saved by Uzbekistan keeper Abbos Elmurodov, while at the other end Aghapour needed to step in to foil Ilkhomjon Khamroev’s challenge.

image content

Iran, however, struck in the third minute when Aghapour weaved his way down the left flank before unleashing his shot which took a deflection off Uzbekistan’s Mashrab Adilov before settling in the back of the net.

Uzbekistan, however, fought back and drew level in the ninth minute with Sunatulla Juraev’s free-kick from distance beating a diving Bagher Mohammadi.

image content

It was end to end action with Iran keeping Elmurodov busy with an array of shots from Saeid Ahmad Abbasi, while Mohammadi was also tested when he had to keep out Khamroev’s effort.

It was Uzbekistan who scored next, Abror Akhmetzyanov initially deflecting Mohammadhossein Derakhshani’s pass, with Khamroev then laying the ball for Nishonov to set up Akhmetzyanov for a simple tap-in.

image content

Iran turned up the tempo in the second half and drew level in the 24th minute when the unfortunate Akhmetzyanov turned in Moslem Oladghobad’s free-kick from the left flank.

Uzbekistan suffered another blow in the 27th minute when Adilov received his marching orders after picking up his second yellow card leaving the door open for Iran, who retook the lead two minutes later.

image content

Aghapour sent a delightful cross to an unmarked Behrooz Azimihematabadi, who had the simplest of touches to put the ball into the back of the net from close range leaving Elmurodov stunned.

Iran, however, suffered a lapse in concentration in the 35th minute when Juraev dispossessed Mahdi Karimi on the right flank before supplying the cross for Akhmetzyanov to slot home the equaliser in an unattended goal.

image content

Abbasi came close to scoring in the closing stages of the first period when his angled overhead kick sailed above the bar, while Ropiev forced a fine fingertip save from Mohammadi with the Iranian custodian saved Nishonov’s effort from distance.

Mohammadi then saved the first and sixth Uzbekistan spot-kicks as Iran moved within a match of yet another AFC Futsal Asian Cup title. 

Iran Uzbekistan- Futsal Semi-Final

Preview - Semi-final: Uzbekistan v IR Iran

Bangkok: Uzbekistan will encounter their toughest challenge yet when they go head-to-head with Iran in the semi-finals of the AFC Futsal Asian Cup Thailand™ 2024 at the Bangkok Arena on Friday.

Both sides are in great form, having won their previous four matches en route to the semi-finals with Uzbekistan showing nerves of steel to defeat Vietnam in the quarter-finals on Wednesday, thanks to Sunatulla Juraev’s last-gasp goal. 

Head coach Jose Venancio Lopez knows it will be even tougher against 12-time champions Iran. 

“Facing Iran is a different proposition altogether. They are undeniably one of the best teams in the world and are rightfully considered favorites,” said Lopez.

#ACFutsal2024 | Quarter-final : Uzbekistan 2 - 1 Vietnam

“It’s difficult to figure out how to beat Iran. We’re aware of their high-quality play. However, in one game, anything is possible, and we’ll strive to do everything within our power to achieve our target.”

Iran, on the other hand, have been cruising through the tournament and booked their semi-final spot with a 6-1 win over Kyrgyz Republic but head coach Vahid Shamsaee wants his team to remain focused.  

“We know it’s going to be a tough match, both physically and tactically, and we’re determined to show the best performance we can,” said Shamsaee.

#ACFutsal2024 | Quarter-final : IR Iran 6 - 1 Kyrgyz Republic

“The past is the past. We had friendly games with Uzbekistan before this tournament, but there’s a significant difference between the Uzbek team and my team. Each team possesses unique conditions and physical attributes. Right now, our focus is solely on the next game, and we aim to maintain our concentration.

“With each game, we’re improving. We had two targets, and yesterday, we achieved one by qualifying for the FIFA Futsal World Cup Uzbekistan 2024. After our quarter-final game, all my players understood their roles. They know what they need to do tomorrow: to fight until the end without stress and with the hope of delivering a good performance.”

Uzbekistan  v Iran  
Venue: Bangkok Arena (Bangkok)
Kick-off: 17:00 (UTC+3) – Iran Time: 17:30 (UTC+3:30)  

Tajikistan makes history in Futsal.

Bangkok: Fayzali Sardorov’s extra-time winner saw Tajikistan edge out Afghanistan 2-1 in Wednesday’s AFC Futsal Asian Cup™ Thailand 2024 quarter-final to secure a place in the semi-finals for the first time and qualification for a maiden FIFA Futsal World Cup.

Afghanistan, meanwhile, will need to wait for the outcome of the day’s last quarter-final tie between Uzbekistan and Vietnam to learn whether their campaign has concluded, or they will return to action in Friday’s play-off semi-finals.

image content

Tajikistan head coach Pairav Vakhidov was proud of his players for creating history. 

“It was a very tough match, and the players were under pressure to get the result. We told the players to show their game and not to panic and, fortunately, luck was on our side,” said Vakhidov.

“Two years ago, at the AFC Futsal Asian Cup Kuwait 2022 we reached the quarter-finals but we lost, this time we won and qualified for our first-ever FIFA Futsal World Cup. It’s an unbelievable emotion what I’m feeling right now, I can’t even put it into words.”

image content

Afghanistan tactician Majid Mortezaei applauded his players for matching Tajikistan in the pulsating encounter.

“Both teams played very well, and I want to say thank you to all my players, they played very well,” said Mortezaei.

“We have played with Tajikistan many times before, so we knew what to expect. The game was very difficult for us, and I would say the difference was their defence was very good.  Even after they had a player sent off, they kept us out and their goalkeeper played fantastic and made some great saves right at the end.”

image content

Tajikistan made a strong start and Reza Jafari was called into action early by Nekruz Alimakhmadov, before Dilshod Salomov drew an even better save from the Afghanistan custodian on eight minutes.

Salomov forced Jafari into another smart save on 16 minutes, but Afghanistan were stung into action and began to turn the tide as captain Akbar Kazemi hit the post after Firuz Bekmurodov was unable to hold Mehran Gholami’s initial effort.

But it was Tajikistan who opened the scoring against the run of play as Komron Aliev’s run down the left resulted in a cross that was turned into his own net by Reza Hossein Poor two minutes before the break.

image content

The scores were level just three mins after the restart, though, as Farzad Mahmoodi ran onto a lay-off from Kazemi and drilled his low shot past Bekmurodov.

Afghanistan were then close to taking the lead themselves on the 26th minute when a long ball up court found Kazemi’s head only to see the ball crash against the post.

With under four minutes left on the clock there was more drama to come as Tajikistan went down to four men following Idris Yorov’s second yellow card of the match.

image content

But even with a man advantage for the two minute-penalty period, no further goals were forthcoming, and the tie went to extra-time.

After a goalless first period, Tajikistan’s moment of history came in the second minute of the second period after a nerveless 10-metre penalty from Sardorov etched his name into his country’s record books.