When discussing futsal’s inclusion in the Olympic Games, misinformation has long posed a significant obstacle to addressing the complexity of the issue. Now, we must also contend with false claims and fake news that raise unrealistic hopes among fans. This occurred following the 29th FIFA Council meeting on Thursday, October 3, in Zurich. When a flood of inaccurate reports emerged regarding a supposed request to the International Olympic Committee (IOC). Key decisions were made during the meeting. Including updates to the Club Soccer World Cup and FIFA’s strategy for women’s football. The only futsal-related topic was the confirmation of dates for the first Women’s World Cup. Scheduled in the Philippines from November 21 to December 7, 2025.
fake news
So how did various South American media, like Brazil’s Globo and Argentina’s Olé, come to report an alleged official request to the IOC to include futsal and beach soccer as Olympic sports? Given the virality of these reports, a fact-checking effort was necessary to avoid falling prey to this misinformation. FIFA had, in fact, updated its women’s football strategy on August 12, which is part of the 2023-2027 Global Football Strategic Objectives.
This document, initially developed at a summit in Jeddah on December 21, 2023, hadn’t been released until now. In the last section of point seven, under “Propose changes to the format of the Olympic Football Tournament,” it specifies that FIFA plans to recommend changes to the women’s Olympic football tournament. Increasing the number of participants from 12 to 16 teams to match the men’s tournament. It also states that FIFA will propose that futsal and beach soccer be recognized as independent football disciplines in future Olympic Games.
These two lines on page 50 of the global football roadmap mark the first time futsal and the Olympics are mentioned together in an official FIFA document. But nothing more. From there, a mixture of excitement fueled by social media misinformation caused confusion. Particularly during the 48 hours leading up to the World Cup final in Uzbekistan. A tournament already clouded by controversies such as promotional posters featuring soccer players and a match where France intentionally lost to Iran.
reality
Despite the rapid spread of these reports in digital media, no FIFA official stepped forward to deny the claims that the IOC would soon be asked to include futsal in the Olympics. This created a favorable media environment for FIFA President Gianni Infantino. Who attended the final between Brazil and Argentina in Tashkent, where Brazil claimed its sixth World Championship. Futsal legend Falcao, along with other icons like Javi Rodríguez and Javier Saviola, was present, with Falcao carrying the World Championship trophy to the pedestal where Infantino awaited. Falcao had previously stated, “FIFA is not interested in having futsal played in the Olympic Games.“ Just days before the conclusion of the Paris 2024 Olympics. Sadly, nothing has changed. The recent reports do not reflect the harsh reality: there is no immediate hope for futsal’s inclusion in the Olympics, especially given the current IOC electoral context.
Futsal is not expected to feature in Los Angeles 2028. Where sports like cricket, flag football, lacrosse, and squash will debut. Nor in Brisbane 2032, where teqball (a mix of soccer and table tennis) may be introduced. However, in the fourth edition of the Youth Olympic Games, to be held in Dakar – Senegal from October 31 to November 13, 2026, futsal will make its second appearance. Following its debut at the Buenos Aires 2018 Youth Olympics. It’s something, at least.
