News / Sports

AFC president congratulates Iran futsal team on world title

Sunday, 02 October 2016 1:40 PM [ Last Update: Sunday, 02 October 2016 2:14 PM ]

President of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Sheikh Salman Bin Ibrahim Al Khalifah

President of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Sheikh Salman Bin Ibrahim Al Khalifah has extended his felicitations to Iran men’s national futsal team over its outstanding performance at the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) Futsal World Cup in Colombia, and finishing third in the high-status event.

"On behalf of the Asian football family, I would like to congratulate the Islamic Republic of Iran for their spectacular displays, commendable resolve and consistency throughout the competition," Al Khalifah wrote in a congratulatory message.

"As articulated in our Vision and Mission, the Islamic Republic of Iran have proven that Asian teams can not only compete but dominate the world’s biggest stages. I hope that IR Iran’s achievement will inspire more Asian teams to scale new heights in world futsal."

"The Islamic Republic of Iran are now a dominant force in world futsal and their success in the FIFA Futsal World Cup Colombia 2016 is a testament to the culmination of years of hard work and commitment of everyone at the Football Federation of the Islamic Republic of Iran," Al Khalifah wrote.

Separately, Iranian Minister of Sports and Youth Affairs Mahmoud Goudarzi described the achievement as a stride on the path to future honors.

This photo shows a view of the third-place match of 2016 FIFA Futsal World at Coliseo El Pueblo stadium in Cali, Colombia, on October 1, 2016.

“Youngsters are developers of bright horizons in various aspects of development. By capturing the third spot in the 2016 FIFA World Cup, our country's young and strong sportsmen proved that all hardships could be turned into sweet victories via planning and greater endeavor.

“I hope the Iranian men’s national futsal team notches up more success in future events. I appreciate your efforts and wish you all success,” the Iranian minister said.

Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Bahram Qassemi also offered his congratulations to the Iranian athletes and sporting figures over Iranian futsal players’ performance at the FIFA Futsal World Cup, wishing for the glory of Iranian sportsmen and women in various tournaments.

On Saturday, Iran men’s national futsal team beat Portugal 4-3 in the penalty shootout after a 2-2 draw in extra time at the Coliseo El Pueblo stadium in Cali, Colombia.

The 2016 FIFA Futsal World, which is the 8th edition of the tournament, opened in Colombia on September 10 and wrapped up on October 1.

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