RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - The Indonesian futsal authorities are stepping up efforts to gain global recognition by leveraging one of Europe’s top competitions, the Copa de España 2026 in Granada, Spain, as a platform to build international partnerships and industry connections.

Representatives from the Indonesian Futsal Association (FFI) and Indonesian Futsal Competition (KFI) attended the tournament, held from March 19-22, 2026, which has been regarded as a benchmark of world futsal since the 1989/1990 season.

Their presence was aimed not only at observing elite-level competition but also at strengthening ties with key stakeholders in the global futsal ecosystem.

“Going global is not just a slogan. We are here to ensure Indonesia is taken into account,” said KFI President Director Rorian Pratakysa in a written statement received in Jakarta on Friday, March 20, as quoted by Antara.

Rorian emphasized that Indonesia remains open to learning from established futsal nations while actively strengthening ties with key decision-makers in the global futsal industry. “Our goal is for Indonesian futsal to move beyond the margins and firmly establish itself as part of the world’s main futsal map,” he said.

FFI Chairman Michael Victor Sianipar emphasized that Indonesia’s participation must deliver tangible outcomes. “Our target is clear, after this forum, all stakeholders in the global futsal ecosystem know that Indonesia exists,” he said.

The Indonesian delegation also included FPL advisor Jose Tirado and FFI technical director and national team head coach Hector Souto.

The Copa de España 2026 features eight of Spain’s top futsal clubs, including FC Barcelona Futsal, Movistar Inter, and ElPozo Murcia Costa Cálida, widely regarded as representing the highest standards of the sport globally.

Beyond attending matches, including the final and youth category competitions, FFI and KFI used the opportunity to study Spain’s youth development system, which underpins its dominance in futsal.

They also held strategic sessions with the Real Federacion Espanola de Futbol (RFEF) focusing on coaching methodologies, player development curricula, and structured talent pathways.

On the commercial side, the delegation met with global sports brands and industry partners to explore potential collaborations, underlining Indonesia’s ambition to strengthen both the technical and business aspects of its futsal ecosystem. ***