The RFEF is currently facing uncertainty due to a controversial and complex electoral process, leading to confusion regarding the National Futsal Committee. This area has been plagued by significant mismanagement, highlighted by the recent setbacks experienced by the Spanish National Team in the World Cup in Uzbekistan. Fourteen days have passed since one of the biggest disappointments in Spanish sports, yet no official from the national futsal committee has provided an explanation. Aside from the apologies from outgoing coach Fede Vidal following the historic defeat against Venezuela in the round of 16, the National Futsal Committee and its president, José Miguel Monje from Murcia, have remained silent.
The future
The future technical manager, Jesús Velasco, witnessed Spain’s downfall in Andiján and later saw Brazil triumph over Argentina in the final in Tashkent. It can be confirmed that he will join the Spanish Football Federation on November 1, but the timing of his official appointment remains unclear. When Luis Rubiales renewed Fede Vidal’s contract in May 2022, it was extended until December 31, 2024, complicating any changes to the National Team’s structure.
In the coming days, the outgoing coach will negotiate with the RFEF’s general secretary, Álvaro de Miguel. Regarding a transition to a different position within the federation and a revision of his employment contract to facilitate Jesús Velasco’s hiring along with his assistant, Enrique Ibáñez ‘Chicho,’ who recently left Movistar Inter after 15 seasons. Time is critical, as the outgoing coach is upset with Antonio García Plata, the leader of Spain’s World Cup expedition and an advisor to José Miguel Monje. He is eager to resolve his future swiftly while seeking maximum guarantees.
delays
Delays in this process could lead to an unusual situation where both Fede Vidal and Jesús Velasco coexist on the National Futsal Committee for a period, one deferred and the other appointed ‘in pectore.’ It’s likely they may encounter each other at the cafeteria in the Ciudad del Fútbol in Las Rozas, alongside former coach José Venancio López, who is rejoining the RFEF on October 10 after applying for a coaching position with the World Cup host. Notably, the relationship between the Basque coach and his successor, Fede Vidal, has deteriorated since 2022.
International calendar
According to the international calendar, Spain’s next match is scheduled for November 6 against Portugal in Oeiras. Currently, there is consideration of suspending this friendly to allow for Jesús Velasco’s arrival. Thereby postponing the first roster—expected to have many changes—and his debut until December, when Spain faces Switzerland and Bosnia during the Euro Cup qualifying phase for Lithuania 2026. Another scenario being considered. Albeit surprising, is that Albert Canillas, the head of the U-19 team, may serve as interim coach against Portugal, as he did during Fede Vidal’s medical leave from September 2023 to February 2024. The National Committee remains in a state of improvisation amidst the worst crisis in Spanish futsal.
The director of the First and Second Division, Javier Lorente, will take over the sports management of the National Team. Having joined from Movistar Inter in 2022, his management has faced significant criticism from clubs. Now, he will reunite with Jesús Velasco, with whom he previously worked for seven successful seasons. Following Lorente’s departure, President José Miguel Monje has decided that Luis Amado will be the new director. Amado, who was brought in by Luis Rubiales in December 2019 as an ambassador and institutional representative of the RFEF, faces a challenging situation. A club president expressed frustration, stating, “It’s another lurch, and we continue adrift.”
Marco Falcone 
Ivan Fanucci