France brushed off allegations of match-fixing after their 4-1 defeat by Iran sent them into a softer part of the draw at the Futsal World Cup 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 world governing body 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 said in a statement.

“No further comment will be made while this process is ongoing.”

The French Football Federation was not immediately available for comment.

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.”

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.”

-Reuters

Nigeria did not make the cut as FIFA makes an inaugural Futsal Men’s and Women’s World Rankings. This could be due to the inactivity of the country in that aspect of football – the indoor soccer.

The FIFA Futsal Men’s World Cup enters its 10^th edition this year in Uzbekistan, but Nigeria had taken part only once in 1992 in Hong Kong.

The Nigerian team came last in Group A comprising of Argentina, Poland and Hong Kong after losing all three matches.

In contrast, Morocco are ranked Africa’s number one and sixth in the world. Thanks to their  recent victory was winning the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Futsal tournament, when they beat Angola 5-1 in the finals.

Among the top-ranked countries alongside Morocco are Brazil, Portugal, Spain, Iran, and Argentina. 

Brazil led the FIFA Futsal Ranking, followed by Portugal in second place, Spain in third place, Iran in fourth place, and Argentina in fifth place. 

 Morocco, in sixth place, is followed by Russia, Kazakhstan, Thailand, and France. 

FIFA Futsal Men’s World Ranking

FIFA Futsal Women’s World Ranking

The Atlas Lions of Morocco clinched their third consecutive CAF Futsal AFCON title following a stunning 5-1 victory over Angola in Sunday’s entertaining final.

A sold-out Prince Moulay Abdellah Hall witnessed Hicham Dguig write history by joining Egypt as the two teams to have won the continental championship on three occasions.

Goals from Soufiane Borite, Bilal Bakkali, Anas El Ayyane, Idriss Raiss El Fenni, and captain Soufiane El Mesrar were enough to secure Morocco the victory in front of their fans.

The hosts started brightly against the Sable Antelopes in Rabat, with Soufiane El Mesrar and Soufian Charraoui coming close to breaking the deadlock for Hicham Dguig’s side.

Backed by their vocal fans, Morocco scored the opener after 6 minutes through Soufiane Borite. The FC Kemi ace latched onto Raiss El Fenni’s cross to guide his effort into an unguarded Angolan goal.

The Sable Antelopes responded to draw level when Aderito Santo slotted in the equalizer with a composed finish at the back post.

The two sides continued to attack as they battled for the next goal of the match, and it was the Atlas Lions who grabbed it four minutes before the break, courtesy of Idriss Raiss El Fenni, to send the home fans into wild celebrations.

Captain El Mesrar gave Morocco a two-goal advantage just before halftime when he squared Bilal Fenni’s through ball.

Anas El Ayyane and Bilal Bakkali completed the Atlas Lions’ comprehensive victory with two late goals to secure their third consecutive title.

Morocco, Angola, and Libya will represent the continent at the FIFA Futsal World Cup in Uzbekistan later this year.