The Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) has officially launched its national futsal project by appointing Iranian coach Saeed Khodarahmi, marking what many are calling the “birth” of futsal in the country. The 59-year-old former AFC instructor brings decades of experience and arrives with a vision to develop the game from grassroots to international level.
At a press conference held at the BFF headquarters on 27 July, BFF President Tabith Awal introduced Khodarahmi to the media. Futsal, a five-a-side game played on smaller indoor pitches, has seen enormous growth globally, especially in Asia. Iran, a futsal powerhouse, has won the AFC Futsal Championship 13 times, and Khodarahmi hails from the sport’s epicentre.
“In my city alone, there are more than 1,000 futsal stadiums,” Khodarahmi said. “In Iran, we run leagues from the premier division down to under-12s. Compared to that, Bangladesh is still a child in futsal. But Iran is like a university. I will try to help this child grow.”
Futsal in Bangladesh has long been neglected, with the only previous domestic league held back in 2008. There are currently no dedicated futsal venues. For now, training will take place at facilities like the Mirpur Indoor Stadium and handball courts, but BFF officials promised to collaborate with the government on infrastructure development.
Futsal committee chairman Imranur Rahman acknowledged the task ahead: “We currently have no ranking in futsal. Myanmar was ranked 103 when Khodarahmi took over there. Within five years, he brought them up to 80. We are confident he can build something similar here.”
Khoderahmi, who has coached both the men’s and women’s national teams of Myanmar and served over a decade as an AFC futsal instructor, is known for his transformative work in developing countries. He said: “I enjoy challenges. Myanmar improved with time. I believe Bangladesh can too—and I hope one day people here will remember Saeed.”
Bangladesh will make its competitive futsal debut at the AFC Futsal Asian Cup qualifiers in Malaysia, from 20 to 24 September 2025. Placed in a formidable group alongside 13-time champions Iran, host nation Malaysia, and the UAE, expectations are measured, but not without hope.
“Our group is very difficult,” Rahman admitted. “But we are aiming to win at least two matches.”
Khodarahmi has been given a three-month contract leading up to the qualifiers. Currently, 53 players are undergoing assessment in trials. From these, 24 will be registered with the AFC by 19 August, and the final 14-man squad—comprising 2 goalkeepers and 12 outfield players—will be announced closer to the tournament.
The coach stressed the importance of widening the talent search: “Bangladesh has over 160 million people, not just in Dhaka. We must not ignore the districts. Talented players may be hidden in remote areas. We must establish a league and build stadiums across every district.”
Despite early warnings from his family about adjusting to local food and culture, Khodarahmi has found a warm welcome. “My family said I might not like the food here,” he smiled. “But after 24 hours, I feel like I’m in Iran. I feel at home.”
He also urged media, officials, and the public to be patient and supportive. “Don’t praise me. If I make mistakes, correct me. I am here to learn and to teach. Support should be for improvement, not destruction.”
President Tabith Awal reinforced the long-term vision: “We will launch both men’s and women’s futsal leagues. The world is moving forward—so must we.”
Khodarahmi repeatedly described this moment as the true beginning of futsal in Bangladesh. “Today, futsal is born here,” he declared. “This is just the start, and the start is always the most important step.”