Futsal World Cup:
FIFA opens probe into match-fixing allegations in Iran-France game
FIFA said an investigation has been launched into match-fixing allegations following France’s 4-1 loss to Iran in the ongoing 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 the international governing body of the sport.
“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.”
While both teams had already qualified for the round of 16, Sunday’s result meant Iran will face African champion Morrocco in today’s knockout game in Bukhara, ahead of a possible clash against world No. 1 Brazil.
France, meanwhile, will take on Thailand before a potential quarterfinal against Paraguay.
Concerns were aired on social media as the match was being played, with the Thailand coach, Miguel Rodrigo, writing on X that his team would play Les Bleus “with open arms”, calling both teams “a world disgrace” who had “dishonored my sport.”
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.”
The Frenchman’s opposite number on Iran’s bench, Vahid Shamsaei, was also quick to brush off the tanking accusations after the game, saying it was normal for his men not to go all out for a victory as “even a draw would been enough for us to go through as the group winners.”
“I think the critics should get tough on the team that was after it [tanking]. Several of our players came down with the flu before the game and needed to rest. We also had a couple of players suspended and one injured. Even I was not feeling well for today’s game, and, not to mention, we have to be back in action in three days. Everyone is free to make their own decisions,” said the Iranian coach, who was without the key trio in Hossein Tayebi, Saeid Ahmad-Abbasi, and Mohammadreza Sangsefidi against France.