Rafael Louzán Urgently Convenes Clubs to Address Futsal Crisis
The president of Spain’s Royal Football Federation (RFEF), Rafael Louzán, has called an emergency meeting with First and Second Division futsal clubs. To tackle mounting challenges within the sport. The session will take place on Monday at the Ciudad del Fútbol de Las Rozas, the federation’s headquarters. With the goal of fostering unity and collaborative solutions to “address critical issues” and “build a stronger future together.”
Louzán Steps In Amid National Futsal Committee Turmoil
Louzán’s intervention comes as tensions escalate around the National Futsal Committee, currently chaired by José Miguel Monje, whose leadership has drawn sharp criticism from clubs.
Futsal has emerged as a focal point for Louzán. Who is reportedly alarmed by the committee’s declining credibility and the widening rift between clubs and Monje. Sources reveal that federation officials have invited representatives from all top-tier and second-division futsal teams to a critical assembly at the Ciudad del Fútbol de Las Rozas on March 17.
The meeting aims to address growing discontent over the committee’s management, which critics argue has led to plummeting TV viewership and financial instability. Louzán personally reached out to club presidents via a letter dated March 10, reiterating his commitment to “dialogue and collective progress” as cornerstones for resolving disputes.
Strategic Push for Collaboration
This initiative mirrors Louzán’s recent efforts to stabilize women’s football, signaling his hands-on approach to federation affairs. While his earlier discussions with women’s league officials were marked by cooperation, Monday’s talks may prove more contentious. Clubs have openly criticized the RFEF and the National Futsal Committee for poor scheduling decisions, inconsistent policies, and a lack of transparency—issues Monje has largely dismissed.
In a recent interview with FutsalSur, Monje deflected questions about club dissatisfaction, responding to critiques with rhetorical queries like, “Why?” He also brushed off concerns about low TV ratings, attributing them to “a lack of goals,” and defended the committee’s rigid adherence to UEFA-mandated schedules, which clubs argue disregard their needs.
Financial Delays and Structural Changes
Monje acknowledged delays in disbursing funds under the Plan Avance 27, a financial support program for clubs, citing stringent auditing requirements. He suggested that non-compliant clubs were responsible for payment holdups, though he expressed confidence in eventual resolutions.
Meanwhile, Louzán has initiated sweeping changes to quell unrest. Earlier this year, he replaced Pedro Galán with Álvaro Cid Bragado as head of the Futsal Referees’ Committee and removed two of Monje’s advisors, Antonio García Plata and Javier Lorente, from their roles. Monje acknowledged Louzán’s authority, stating, “The federation’s leadership has new priorities, and we must align with them.”
New Leadership and Priorities
Monje confirmed plans to appoint a new sports director for international futsal and named Paco Sedano as competitions director. Additionally, María Carrobles, a member of Louzán’s executive board, was named vice president of the National Futsal Committee, tasked with overseeing women’s futsal.
Louzán, who recently attended a Spanish national futsal match in Segovia, has reportedly prioritized modernizing the sport. Monje emphasized this vision, stating the RFEF seeks to “align futsal with the federation’s broader goals for men’s and women’s football” while addressing systemic challenges.
Monday’s meeting underscores Louzán’s strategy to stabilize futsal by balancing UEFA obligations with club interests, though significant hurdles remain in rebuilding trust and reversing the sport’s declining appeal.