Futsal and the Olympics: Exploring Current Exclusions and Future Opportunities

How Host Nations, IOC Criteria and the Upcoming Winter Games Could Shape Futsal’s Olympic Future

The discussion around futsal’s absence from the main Olympic Games often leads to some confusion and misconceptions. A common misunderstanding is that futsal has been removed from the Olympic agenda, when in fact, it continues to be a part of the Youth Olympic Games, with its next appearance scheduled for Dakar, Senegal, in 2026. This reflects the sport’s recognized value and growing popularity among younger athletes.

Furthermore, there’s often a belief that futsal’s exclusion from the Summer Olympics is due to FIFA’s influence or internal politics with the International Olympic Committee (IOC). However, the situation is far more nuanced. The decision to include a sport in the Olympics involves a complex interplay of factors, including the sport’s global appeal, the priorities of the host nation, and the logistical considerations set by the IOC. Understanding these dynamics can clarify why futsal is not currently featured in the main Olympic Games and highlight potential future opportunities for its inclusion.

Futsal, a variant of soccer played indoors on a smaller pitch, has gained significant popularity worldwide. However, its absence from the Olympic Games often raises questions. To understand why futsal isn’t included in the Olympics, it’s important to look at various factors influencing this decision. As you read on, we make a case as to why we believe futsal has not been included yet:

Futsal in the Youth Olympics

Futsal is already a part of the Youth Olympic Games, providing a platform for young athletes to showcase their skills on an international stage. This inclusion highlights the sport’s recognition and growing importance within the global sporting community. And to assure readers that Futsal is a part of the sports listed by the IOC in Senegal, please visit this website: https://olympics.com/fr/dakar-2026/ go to the bottom of the page and you will see Futsal listed in the light blue row.  You can also read our exclusive article with the Head of Olympics, Futsal & Beach Soccer at FIFA, Kasra Haghighi who discusses futsal’s inclusion in the Youth Olympics in Senegal:https://www.futsalfocus.net/exclusive-futsal-fifa-and-the-youth-olympics-in-dakar-senegal-africa-2026/ However, transitioning from the Youth Olympics to the main Olympic Games involves several additional considerations.

The Role of Host Nations

The host nation plays a significant role in determining which sports are included as demonstration sports in the Olympics. Demonstration sports reflect local interest and cultural significance, as was the case with baseball in the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics. A host nation’s interest and investment in a particular sport can influence whether it is featured.

For example, when France was chosen in Peru in 2017 to host the 2024 Olympics, Futsal was not a development priority for the French Football Federation (FFF). Although the FFF has in recent years started to show more interest in futsal, evidenced by their application in 2023 to host the 2026 UEFA Futsal Euro (unfortunately their bid was unsuccessful), their stance in 2017 likely influenced the decision not to include futsal in the 2024 Olympic Games.

Similarly, the United States will host the 2028 Olympics, but U.S. Soccer has shown little interest in futsal, focusing instead on other areas of football/soccer development. This lack of prioritization means that futsal is unlikely to be featured as a demonstration sport or as a main feature in the Los Angeles Olympics either. And FIFA has to take into consideration the stance of their local football association.

IOC’s Considerations for Permanent Sports

The decision to include a sport permanently in the Olympics is made by the International Olympic Committee (IOC). This decision is based on several criteria, including the sport’s global appeal, the interest of the host nation, and the availability of infrastructure to support the sport.

For a sport like futsal to be considered for permanent inclusion, it must demonstrate widespread international popularity and support. Additionally, the host nation must be willing to invest in the necessary infrastructure and promote the sport. Without significant backing from influential national federations and clear evidence of its global appeal, futsal faces challenges in being added to the Olympics.

The role of FIFA 

Many futsal coaches and players have said to me, FIFA should just tell their member associations to develop futsal or they should make the host nation of the Olympics include futsal as a demonstrator or tell the IOC to include Futsal in the main Olympics. Firstly, FIFA does not have the authority to order its member associations to develop futsal. Instead, FIFA can only incentivize and encourage the development of futsal through various programmes, funding, and initiatives. Member associations have autonomy in deciding their development priorities, although FIFA’s support and incentives can significantly influence their decisions. Furthermore, FIFA cannot tell the IOC or any host nation to include futsal, FIFA will take into considerations the development priorities of their association member who is selected to host the Olympics. If futsal is not a priority for them at that time, then it will not be included as the association will not encourage their local Olympic Committee to advocate for its inclusion either.

If you consider Argentina, when they were hosts of  the Youth Olympics in 2018, this was an ideal opportunity to include futsal due to the country’s history and success in the sport. The sports success at the competition has given FIFA the data to encourage the Senegal IOC and the country’s football association along with Confederation of African Football (CAF) that futsal should be included. Especially to encourage the sports growth at a youth level which is a development direction this regional confederation is likely most comfortable with at this time.

Future Opportunities: The 2030 Winter Olympics

A new opportunity for futsal’s inclusion could arise with France’s provisional selection to host the 2030 Winter Olympics and Paralympics. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has endorsed the French Alps bid, which is contingent on financial guarantees from the French government.

“I confirm the full commitment of the French nation, and assure you that I will ask the next prime minister to include not only this guarantee but also an Olympic law in the priorities of the new government.” — French President Emmanuel Macron.

The bid, which includes the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes and Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur regions, marks the fourth time France has been chosen to host the Winter Olympics. Given the packed schedule of the Summer Olympics, the Winter Olympics could offer a unique platform for futsal.

The evolving stance of the FFF we hope could see a potential bid for futsal’s inclusion in the Winter Olympics, this could align with the IOC’s interest in diversifying the Olympic programme and align with the FFF’s ambitions to grow the sport especially after their failed 2023 UEFA Futsal EURO Bid which the time their Philippe Lafrique, president of the FFF, said was an example of the Federation’s commitment to developing the sport. If France’s bid for the 2030 Winter Olympics is finalized, it could present a strategic opportunity to integrate futsal into the Olympic arena. Since 2017, the FFF has established several national youth selections, a French Futsal Center of Excellence in Lyon, a second center opening in 2024, and a women’s futsal team. The number of futsal players in France has grown by 14%, now exceeding 38,000, with 10% being female participants. But nearly 250,000 practitioners in total,“ indicates Philippe Lafrique. “Futsal is the number 1 sport in school sports. Our goal is to have a sports section in each district. All the leagues have one today, we are moving forward step by step.” The men’s French futsal team is ranked 10th globally and has qualified for the FIFA Futsal World Cup for the first time this year.

The inclusion of futsal in the Olympic Games involves a complex interplay of factors. While the sport enjoys recognition in the Youth Olympics and is gaining popularity, the decisions of host nations and the criteria set by the IOC play pivotal roles. As national football federations and international bodies continue to develop and promote futsal, the upcoming Winter Olympics could potentially provide a new avenue for the sport’s Olympic debut.

Organ Donation

Futsal Focus is a supporter of Dáithí Mac Gabhann and his family’s campaign to raise awareness of Organ Donation. We encourage our readers to learn more about Organ Donation: https://www.organdonation.nhs.uk/

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