Shaikh Salman said: “The popularity of futsal is growing rapidly in Asia and over the past 12 days, we have witnessed some dynamic, high-intensity and thrilling contests. On behalf of the Asian football family, I would like to congratulate Mes Sungun Varzaghan for showcasing their unrivalled flair and competitive spirit to emerge as the ultimate champions.

“Special praise must also go to Football Federation Islamic Republic of Iran and everyone working tirelessly in the background to bring success to the club. This victory exemplifies the years of hard work across all levels and I am confident it will serve as an inspiration to ensure Futsal continues to thrive in the Islamic Republic of Iran for years to come.”

Mes Sungun captain Farhad Fakhim scored two goals in each half and was instrumental in steering Mes Sungun to their maiden title. The Iranian, who had a loan spell with Indonesia's Vamos FC this year, was happy but was quick to point out that the focus now will be to defend the title.

"Winning the championship may be tough, but keeping it is another thing all together. So we have to repeat this. I respect Thai Son Nam, they played very well, they have a good coach who is very tactical and their speed was remarkable. They made it very hard for us today.

"It will be a challenge for us to defend this title. But we are Iranians and who knows," said Fakhim.

 

Javid also emerged the top scorer with 12 goals, ahead of Mes Sungun Varzagan’s Hossein Tayebibidgoli and Bluewave Chonburi Suphawut Thueanklang who both scored eight goals.

The awards are Javid’s first in the AFC Futsal Club Championship, having emerged top scorer at the Asian Indoor Games in 2009 and 2017 for Islamic Republic of Iran.

Javid’s hat-trick inspired Beirut to a 5-3 Victory over Iraq’s Nafit Al Wasat in the third-place playoff on Sunday. The marksman had found the net in every match for Bank of Beirut as he ended the tournament with his third hat-trick.

"I want to thank the entire Bank of Beirut family, the coaching staff and my teammates who have helped me throughout this tournament. Without them, I would not have achieved what I have today.

"I'm very happy to win the MVP, it was a difficult tournament for Bank of Beirut but we won third place today. All the goals I scored were for my team and that's a very good achievement for me. Congratulations to all the Bank of Beirut fans, I love you all.

"There will be no rest for me. In two weeks' time, I will be back home and playing in the Iranian Futsal Super League with Giti Pasand," said Javid.

Meanwhile, Iraq’s Nafit Al Wasat - who finished fourth - received The Fair Play Award.

Nafit had been outstanding throughout the tournament, showing tremendous fighting spirit.

Photo: AFC

Waleed Khalid Al Mayali gave Nafit the lead in the second minute after Hasan Ali Jabbar broke free from the left on a counter and his delivery found Al Mayali, who slotted home.

The Iraqi club looked to have the match under control with Jabbar often the orchestrator of Nafit’s attacks as they pressed Beirut into their own half.

But Beirut woke up from their slumber as they quickened the pace and were soon in Nafit’s half. Mohamad Kobeissy found Mahdi Javid lurking in the box and the Iranian equalised for Beirut with a simple tap-in.

The Lebanon club took control of the match after that and Patrick Vieira Luz put Beirut in front in the 11th minute with a clever chip over Nafit goalkeeper Omar Sabti Jumaah.