France has dismissed claims of match-fixing after suffering a 4-1 loss to Iran, a result that inadvertently placed them in a more favourable section of the draw at the Futsal world Cup in Uzbekistan.
The match saw France struggle in the first half, ultimately leading to a relatively easy victory for Iran after France allowed a questionable first goal, sparking outrage from several other teams.
This led to complaints being lodged with FIFA by some of those teams.
“FIFA is aware of complaints filed by participating teams at the FIFA Futsal World Cup Uzbekistan 2024 regarding the Group F match between France and IR Iran,” a FIFA spokesperson said in a statement.
“No further comment will be made while this process is ongoing.”
The French Football Federation was not immediately available for comment.
France coach Raphael Reynaud said the way the match played out was about avoiding bookings and injuries.
“It was Iran’s responsibility to be in charge of the game,” he said. “The draw is more open for us, but our main goal was not to get booked and to avoid injuries.”
While both teams had already qualified for the round of 16, the result means France will take on Thailand before a potential quarterfinal against Paraguay, while Iran will face Morocco ahead of a possible clash against world No. 1 Brazil.
“Iran and France, coaches and players alike, have disgraced my sport. You are a disgrace to the world,” Thailand coach Miguel Rodrigo wrote on X.
Retired Brazil great Falcao was quoted by French media as saying: “It shows a lack of respect for the World Cup. The match was clearly fixed from the first minute.”