Futsal World Cup poster with Cristiano Ronaldo and Messi sparks controversy

This Saturday the tenth edition of the FIFA Futsal World Cup kicks off on Saturday in Uzbekistan as 24 teams are set to compete in what appears to be a open tournament history with reigning champions Portugal along with Argentina, Brazil, Iran and Spain among the favourites.

In the hours ahead of the opening ceremony, the tournament has been tainted by controversy prompting anger among coaches, players and fans alike. A promotional image published by FIFA on social networks announcing the championship was accompanied by images of Xavi, Messi, Cristiano and Neymar, all known as iconic soccer players with the anger claiming that the governing body has ‘forgotten’ to include futsal players, which has generated the indignation.

The poster endeavours to explain that some of the biggest names in football made their first steps in futsal or how futsal has helped shape these big name football stars. “The game that has helped develop some of the biggest football stars”.

“We are still futsal, until we get can shake-off these comparisons, our game will not progress,” said Rafa Usín, a former Spanish. “It is not difficult to find futsal idols”, added Antonio Vadillo, who coaches Palma Futsal (current UEFA Champions League holders).

Participants in the event have also expressed their discontent. Kevin Ramírez, captain of France, asked for respect on his social networks, while the Costa Rican coach, Álex Ramos, was more explicit: “With all due respect. Don’t piss me off, futsal is not football, we have our history and our stars...”.

From Ricardinho to Luis Amado and Manoel Tobias, Daniel, Falcao... the game has developed its own iconic figures with the likes of Sergio Lozano, Ferrao, Zicky and Higuita all current big name stars who could have been used to showcase the tournament.