France goalkeeper fuels match fixing scandal speculation against Iran at 2024 Futsal World Cup

The 2024 Futsal World Cup has been rocked by a potential match fixing scandal during the France against Iran group stage game.

The France - Iran match fixing motive

In the third and final match of Group F, the French and Iranians faced off to decide which of the two teams would qualify for the round of 16 as group winners. Before the game, there had been suggestions it would actually be in the best interests of either team to finish second due to the bracket for the knockout rounds.

The winner knew their round-of-16 opponent would be Morocco, the current Africa Futsal Cup of Nations holders and considered one of the strongest teams in the world. On top of that, five-time Futsal World Cup winners Brazil, who won their three group games by an aggregate score of 27-2, would be their potential adversaries in the quarterfinals.

The runners-up, meanwhile, would take on Thailand, beaten 9-1 by the Brazilians in Group B, in the last 16, followed by either Paraguay or Afghanistan, who are playing in their first Futsal World Cup, in the quarters.

Libya to file official match fixing complaint

The first half ended 0-0, the first sign neither was especially interested in winning. In those first 20 minutes, France had two shots and Iran six, significantly below ‘normal’ futsal figures.

Then, four minutes into the second half, France goalkeeper Thibaut Garros appeared to move out of the way of a fairly harmless shot from a tight angle from Iran’s Salar Aghapour, which has led to accusations of match-fixing. You can make your own minds up by watching the video below.

Libya coach Ricardo Íñiguez, whose team was eliminated as one of the two worst third-placed teams in the group stage, was fiercely critical of both countries for their unsportsmanlike conduct.

“Libya is going to file an official complaint in relation to this match for ‘match fixing’, it is a disgrace for our sport,” Íñiguez posted on X. A number of spectators shared similar views on social media, many claiming both teams looked as if they were trying to lose.

Thailand coach Miguel Rodrigo also vented his fury online, saying the two teams had “dishonoured my sport” and were a “worldwide disgrace”.

After going 1-0 down, France did little come back into the game, having only six shots across the 40 minutes. Iran eventually ran out 4-1 winners, with the sole French goal coming after they had fallen 4-0 behind.

The Asian country will now face Morocco in the next round, with Brazil likely waiting in the quarterfinals. France next play Rodrigo’s Thailand, with one of either Paraguay or Afghanistan their potential last-eight opponents.