Sport
France accused of ‘match-fixing’ over dismal performance against Iran at Futsal World Cup
FIFA is looking into claims of “match manipulation” and breaches of “the spirit of the game”, rather than match fixing
France is at the center of controversy after coaches of various national teams accused the French of match-fixing following a heavy defeat against Iran in a group stage match at the World Cup in Uzbekistan.
France went down 4-1 to Iran in their match last week.
A post on X by Ricardo Iñiguez, the head coach of Libya, who were eliminated from the competition at the group stage, said the match had been a “disgrace” for the sport.
“Libya is going to file an official complaint in relation to this match for ‘match fixing’, it is a disgrace for our sport,” Iñiguez wrote, before going on to share criticism from other figures within the sport.
The Guardian reported that FIFA is looking into claims of “match manipulation” and breaches of “the spirit of the game”, rather than match fixing.
Social media posts by fans during the match also highlighted the lackluster performance by France.
In another X post, the Thailand coach, Miguel Rodrigo, said his team were waiting to take on the French “with open arms”, but also it was a “a world disgrace” and that they had “dishonoured my sport”.
Video footage shared by Rodrigo appears to show French goalkeeper Thibaut Garros moving away from the ball in the buildup to Iran’s opening goal. The French went on to record only six shots on goal over the course of the entire match, scoring a consolation after Iran had eased to a 4-0 lead.
In a statement, Fifa said it was “aware of complaints filed by participating teams at the Futsal World Cup regarding the Group F match between France and Iran” but that “no further comment will be made while this process is ongoing”.
The groups and match-ups for the FIFA World Cup 2026, set to be the biggest sporting event in history, were unveiled on Friday during a high-profile Final Draw ceremony held in the United States capital, Washington DC.
In front of nearly 2,000 international guests and millions of viewers worldwide, FIFA revealed the 12 groups of four teams for the expanded 23rd edition of the tournament. The draw marks a major milestone as excitement continues to build across the three host nations — the United States, Canada, and Mexico — and the 16 host cities preparing for the event.
FIFA announced that the full schedule, including match venues and kick-off times for the tournament’s 104 games, will be released during a live global broadcast on Saturday, 6 December.
With nearly two million tickets already sold, FIFA says anticipation for the 2026 World Cup is rapidly rising.
There are 48 teams in next year’s World Cup — an expansion from the 32 teams of previous tournaments.
In the 25th match of the fifth season of the Afghanistan Champions League, Abu Muslim Farah secured a dominant 6-0 victory over Jawanan Perozi.
On Friday, in the 26th match, Istiqlal Kabul defeated Sarsabz Yashlar 3-1.
Tomorrow, in the 27th match, Arman FC will take on Sorkh Poshan Khafi at 10:00 AM, followed by the 28th match, where Sarafan Herat will face Ettifaq Khanzadah at 1:30 PM.
All matches are broadcast live on Ariana Television, giving football fans across the country the chance to experience the excitement and intensity of the Afghanistan Champions League throughout the season.
In the 23rd match of the fifth season of the Afghanistan Champions League, Arman FC put on a dominant and electrifying display, overpowering Aino Mina 6–0.
In Thursday’s 24th fixture, Khurasan Faryab took on Ettifaq Khanzadah and secured a solid 2–0 victory.
Looking ahead to tomorrow’s games, Jawanan Perozi will face Abu Muslim Farah at 10:00 a.m. in the 25th match, while Istiqlal Kabul meets Sarsabz Yashlar at 1:30 p.m. in the 26th encounter.
All matches are broadcast live on Ariana Television, giving fans across the country the opportunity to follow the excitement and energy of the Afghanistan Champions League throughout the season.
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