Derbyshire Referee Marc Birkett recently took part in a unique exchange programme between UEFA and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC). Marc is England’s only FIFA Futsal Referee and was selected alongside a Czech Republic colleague to travel to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia to attend a 3 day seminar for the AFC’s Elite Futsal Referees.

Futsal is FIFA’s only official small sided game and is a flourishing sport in England with the FA’s national league now in its 3rd full season and an improving National team. Futsal is played with a heavier ball, 5 aside and played within a pitch (no rebound boards) with the basis of the game improving player technique and skill.

Delivering the 3 day seminar were FIFA instructors Pedro Galan (Spain), Andrea Lastrucci (Italy) and Yasuhiro Matsuzaki (Japan) covering topics; dealing with red and yellow cards, player management, foul recognition, several practical sessions and the FIFA fitness test for futsal referees. The seminar was attended by officials from Australia, Bahrain, China, IR Iran, Japan, Jordan, Korea Rep, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Lebanon, Thailand and Turkmenistan.

Reflecting on the experience Marc comments ‘This was a fantastic opportunity for me to visit another confederation to see how Futsal is developing and how different the refereeing styles are’

‘The overriding course theme was to ensure uniformity across all confederations and it was great to see such a variety of cultures mixing with one common goal of ensure Futsal has a future in the football family. I have learnt a lot which will not only benefit my game but new knowledge to help our new up and coming officials’

For more information about Futsal in England please visit: the FA





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