The world of futsal is in uproar after France and Iran were accused of ‘match-fixing’ in their World Cup game, with other national team coaches slamming them as a ‘disgrace’.
Both teams had already qualified for the last 16 as they headed into their final group stage match, with finishing second looking as if it would lead to an easier draw.
Iran won 4-1 and alarms sounded across the sport when French goalkeeper Thibaut Garros appeared to move out of the way to concede a tame shot from Salar Aghapour.
Winning the group means Iran will face African champions Morocco in the last 16 and potentially world No 1s Brazil in the quarter-finals.
After finishing second, France will face Thailand – who Brazil beat 9-1 in the groups – before a possible last-eight clash against Paraguay or debutants Afghanistan. That appears to be the easier route for this tournament in Uzbekistan.
France and Iran have been accused of match-fixing in the Futsal World Cup in Uzbekistan
French goalie Thibaut Garros is accused of letting in an easy shot, as seen in the below video
Libya head coach Ricardo Iniguez wrote: ‘Libya is going to file an official complaint in relation to this match for ‘match fixing’, it is a disgrace for our sport’
Thailand head coach Miguel Rodrigo wrote that France and Iran ‘dishonoured my sport’ and are a ‘world disgrace’
Thailand coach Miguel Rodrigo was fuming, writing on X: ‘Iran and France, coaches and players, dishonoured my sport. You are a worldwide disgrace.’
Meanwhile, Libya boss Ricardo Iniguez tweeted: ‘Libya is going to file an official complaint in relation to this match for ‘match fixing’, it is a disgrace for our sport.’
AS reports that ‘neither was especially interested in winning’ as the first half ended 0-0, with France having just two shots and Iran six.
Iran pulled away in the second 20-minute half, with France grabbing a consolation, but AS claims they ‘did little to come back into the game’.
Fans have vented their annoyance on X and even called for both Iran and France to be kicked out of the tournament.
‘Regrettable, this deserves direct expulsion from the World Cup for both teams,’ wrote one.
‘Because of things like this, our sport will never be an Olympic sport. And you are tarnishing the work that we coaches do at the grassroots level. We must have principles and respect for this wonderful sport,’ said another.
‘If they are not sanctioned, futsal is over,’ came the verdict of another.
Finishing second in the group as France did appears to afford an easier draw than winning
Morocco, in red, face Morocco and a potential quarter-final against world No 1s Brazil
Most fans have come down harshly on both teams, although one questioned if Iran were at fault after they scored four times
‘The goalkeeper should be punished in an exemplary manner, what a disgrace,’ said one.
While most of the comments were furious, some believe that Iran scoring four goal should exonerate them. ‘What did Iran do for bad here?’ asked one.
Mail Sport has contacted FIFA, who organise the World Cup, the French Football Federation, and the Iranian Football Federation for comment.