Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Jakarta: Futsal clubs in Indonesia aim to compete at the continental level by laying the foundation bricks for long-term club development.
An AFC Futsal assessment team completed its mission in Indonesian capital having met clubs from the Indonesian Futsal League Final Four.
The AFC delegation, headed by member of the AFC Futsal and Beach Soccer Committee Abbas Torabian, completed the three-day assessment visit under the AFC Futsal Development Programme.
Representatives from the top four sides, Electric PLN, Futsal Kota Bandung, Tifosi, Baskhara and MFA Pinky Boys, briefed the AFC team on the clubs’ general information and shared their respective experiences in running futsal clubs.
When asked about the challenges, all clubs raised the issue that futsal was not properly marketed despite the popularity of futsal in the biggest populated nation in Southeast Asia.
“Futsal is still not there to attract TV for live broadcasting in Indonesia,” said Oce Permana, a representative from Futsal Kota Bandung.
“And it is the main obstacle for our club to find sponsors as there will be very little exposure of their brands.”
Consequently, no clubs from the Final Four have sponsorship apart from donation from the owners and subsidy from the parent companies.
“Futsal is growing very fast in Indonesia, but we as clubs must work effectively in the right direction,” Permana said.
“Therefore, we would like to request the Football Association of Indonesia (PSSI) to organise club development workshops to educate the club management people.”