Courtesy: The Star On Line


Futsal to get more attention

KUALA LUMPUR: Futsal in Malaysia has gained much in popularity and it is the FA of Malaysia’s (FAM) hope that the standard will eventually be as good as neighbours Thailand.

The FAM’s futsal and beach soccer chairman, Hamidin Mohd Amin, said that various grassroots programmes for the sport would ensure continued growth of the sport in the country.

“The Thais have a 20-year head start on us and they are currently among the best teams in Asia as well as in the world. We only just started five years ago and we have to work to move up the ranks,” said Hamidin during the draw for the Jaguh Futsal RTM yesterday.

Thailand are now ranked at No. 13 in the world while Malaysia are in 58th spot. Two other Asian teams Iran and Japan are ranked fourth and 10th respectively.

“We have lined up a series of programmes to further develop futsal in the country and the national team will compete in at least four international tournaments this year,” said Hamidin.

He added that the Jaguh Futsal RTM would also serve as an avenue to identify players for the national team.

“From the programme last year, we still have four players in the national programme,” he said.

A total of 14 teams will participate in the tournament together with two invitational teams who have yet to be decided.

Defending champions Selangor are in Group B with Johor, Malacca and Perlis.








Posted by Luca Ranocchiari --> luca.ranocchiari@futsalplanet.com