Tensions Rise in Spanish Futsal as Clubs Boycott Federation Meeting
A planned gathering ahead of the Spanish Super Cup final in Cartagena has highlighted the growing rift between futsal clubs and the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF). The meeting, organized by National Futsal Committee president José Miguel Monje, was intended to discuss structural changes and future plans. But was ultimately canceled due to widespread club disinterest.
The discord became apparent when Luis Amado, head of First and Second Division futsal, extended invitations to clubs for a strategic planning session alongside the Super Cup semifinals. Despite offering accommodations and emphasizing the importance of club representation, the response was notably tepid, leading to the meeting’s indefinite postponement.
Club dissatisfaction stems from multiple issues. Including the controversial rollout of a Strategic Plan in November that initially involved only six of the sixteen First Division clubs. Many excluded teams viewed this selective approach as disrespectful. The federation’s handling of committee appointments has also drawn criticism. Particularly the inclusion of former coach Fede Vidal in key positions and the appointment of the Committee president’s son to various commissions.
The relationship between clubs and the RFEF
The relationship between clubs and the RFEF has deteriorated significantly since the federation took over competition management from LNFS in 2019. Jaén Paraíso Interior’s sports director Nicolás Sabariego publicly voiced this sentiment, stating that conditions have worsened under RFEF management. Similar concerns were expressed by Jimbee Cartagena’s coach Eduardo Sao Thiago ‘Duda’, who criticized the federation’s scheduling decisions around the Super Cup.
Current challenges facing Spanish futsal include declining viewership, questionable economic oversight, controversial rule changes, and scheduling conflicts that affect player rest periods. The Spanish Cup in Murcia faced last-minute date changes due to venue conflicts with basketball events, exemplifying the organizational issues plaguing the sport.
As the Spanish Super Cup final approaches this Sunday between Jimbee and Real Betis, the empty seats at the pre-match meeting serve as a clear message from clubs to the federation about their dissatisfaction with the current state of futsal administration in Spain.
