Premier Futsal to comeback in January for second season

ByArun S Kaimal, SportsCafe Editor

07/19/2016

Premier Futsal President Luis Figo said on Monday that they are planning to conduct the league twice a year with the second edition of the league likely to be held in January next year. Figo also confirmed that they are considering the possibility of increasing the number of teams in the league.

After the end of the Chennai leg of the inaugural edition of the Premier Futsal tournament, former World Player of the year and league President Luis Figo interacted with media persons about the future of the league. The league will now move to Goa for the final leg, and the former Portugal skipper confirmed that the 10-day long tournament could be played twice a year with the organisers looking at January next year as the possible option.

"Yes, we are looking at January for the second season. We are here to promote Futsal for Futsal, not for any other motive. It is a private investment, so our focus will be to create this property," Portugal football legend Figo said at a media interaction at the sidelines of the ongoing inaugural season at Chennai, reported PTI.

Yes, we are looking at January for the second season. We are here to promote Futsal for Futsal, not for any other motive. It is a private investment, so our focus will be to create this property."

Figo also added that the number of teams in the league could increase in the coming seasons. The organisers had initially planned for an eight-team league, but decreased it to six for the opening edition, leaving out Delhi and Hyderabad.

"Going forward there can be 8, 10 & 12. We hope we can improve the quality of the game. Whatever happens along the way, it will. There always are problem, which are always going to pull you down. But we must focus on or end objective and do our best for Futsal," said the former World Player of the Year.

When asked about his vision for the league, Figo said, "This is the first Indian platform for Futsal where Indian talent can play with international stars. India has great passion for sports, with full stadiums, I think there is great future for Premier Futsal.

Going forward there can be 8, 10 & 12. We hope we can improve the quality of the game. Whatever happens along the way, it will.

"Most important is the passion & the will to work hard & chase your dream. Indian players can work hard & I'm hoping through my academies I can help them achieve that dream."

The former Portuguese footballer also said that he would have played in the tournament, but for a possible “conflict of interest’.

"I could have played, but there is conflict of interest else I would have played,” said Figo, reported PTI.

Also, read : Premier Futsal | The next big thing in India or another doomed league?