‘Futsal was born in Bangladesh today’

Bangladesh futsal team's newly appointed Iranian coach, Saeid Khodarahmi, said that futsal was "born today in the country" as he addressed the media for the first time on Sunday, expressing hope to develop the sport in the coming days.

The 59-year-old coach appears more focused on long-term futsal development in Bangladesh rather than immediate success in the upcoming Futsal Asian Cup Qualifiers, where Bangladesh is grouped with 13-time champions Iran, 76th-ranked Malaysia, and 97th-ranked UAE. The Qualifiers are scheduled for September 20-24 in Kuantan, Malaysia.

Although the Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) is exploring various avenues to develop football -- including futsal -- Khodarahmi posed a few critical questions to BFF President Tabith Awal, reflecting the current state of futsal in the country.

"It's my first visit to your country and I feel at home. I'm happy with your spirit. My responsibility here is very tough," said Khodarahmi.

"Today I want to ask the [BFF] president: How many futsal stadiums does Bangladesh have? How many coaches, referees, and players? I think futsal was born in your country today -- congratulations to the Bangladesh Football Federation."

"Let everyone work together and support us. I may make mistakes -- inform me, and support us for improvement, not for failure. I promise to begin a long-term plan for 2026 if the [BFF] president agrees. Bangladesh futsal will become strong in South Asia," added said Khodarahmi, who worked for five years in Myanmar's futsal system

Although Bangladesh has played traditional men's football since its independence and introduced women's football in the 1990s, it lacks experience and infrastructure in futsal.

BFF President Tabith Awal said, "We are used to playing on natural grass and artificial turf, but now futsal is being included. We believe that starting with high-level competitions will help establish a strong base and future acceptance for futsal."

"We are optimistic. This journey will lead to a domestic futsal league and new infrastructure. But we need support from all sides. We also aim to work with FIFA and the government," he added.