The Mini Club Futsal World Cup in Kuwait has brought spectacular action and excitement to spectators. The focus has been on the players and the teams. However none of this would be possible without the people who work behind the scenes. None more so than Abolfazl Khodabandehloo, the Chairman of the Technical Committee.

Khodabandehloo started playing football as a 9 year old in Iran. He went on to have a very successful career, playing for the Iran National University team and being one of the first Iranians players to play outside the country. This included a spell in Singapore where he would finish his playing career and begin as a coach. He had the same success here where he won many titles.

Afterwards he would become involved in the organisation and management of sport. In 2001 formed part of the team that changed futsal in Thailand and made the country one of the most powerful in Asia. His involvement has not been restricted to football and futsal. He has advisory roles with the Iran Olympic Committee and with the Minister for Physical Education in Iran.

Many coaches, delegates and players have commented on the excellent organisation of the tournament. This should come as no surprise as Khodabendehloo has previously helped organise the Youth Olympic Games, Asian Games and the Asian Cup.

With such experience as a player, coach and organiser, as well as an integral part of the team that were responsible for the organisation of this competition, who better to discuss the tournament with than Abolfazl Khodabandelhoo. So, without further delay, here is our exclusive interview with this key figure.

How was your experience of organising this tournament?

We built this tournament from scratch. At first we weren’t really thinking it would be such a big event but as time went on and we moved forward it became one of the biggest tournaments at club level in the history of the sport. I am very proud to be part of this team working with great people. I am proud to see the teams who are very professional and give 100%. The level of futsal is very high.

Who is the best team you have seen so far

Santiago Futsal from Spain are the best team technically. In terms of tactics and teamwork the Thai team Chonburi is good. On the basis of determination and hard work Alumnus of Croatia are proving to be very good. As for individual players I would nominate a team like Qadsia from Kuwait.

We must understand that even though we don’t have teams from Brazil and Portugal, we have them indirectly in the tournament. Qadsia has 7 or 8 Brazilians and Kazma has 7 or 8 Portuguese players so indirectly we have them.

Which players would you highlight

I was very impressed with Robert Lupu from City’us from Romania, unfortunately they won their game but were still eliminated. I also liked Hamza from Santiago.

Which games have been the most entertaining?

The game I enjoyed most was Chonburi v Alumnus (2-2) and FC Erdre v Muharraq (2-3). These games were both nail biting encounters.

Who are your favourites for the tournament?

Looking at the tables I think it will be Cardinal and Santiago in the final. Maybe the other teams will prove me wrong.

What has been the impact of the tournament?

Everybody in the world of futsal and this region are talking about it. Everybody is asking about next year and how we will do it next year. I think it has had a very good impact and a very successful result. With regard to futsal in the gulf region they are looking at futsal as something that they can learn about, they can play, they can attract spectators and sponsors, and crowd and all in an entertaining way.

What are your thoughts about next year’s edition?

We are starting to plan for next year. Hopefully we will have the same 16 teams but at a different time of year. We will try to have it in winter and not during Ramadan.







FP Staff --> info@futsalplanet.com