In Alicante, a group of 47 futsal clubs publicly challenged a set of federation rules that regulate coaching assignments across matches in the Valencian Community. In a formal declaration, these clubs called for greater flexibility in appointing coaches for different games, especially within basic and amateur divisions. They argued that the current rules restrict clubs to using only designated technicians on the bench, leaving teams without substitutes when a coach cannot attend a match. In such cases, teams must rely on untrained delegates, which the clubs say undermines the integrity of player development and game management. A consequence of these rules is that teams risk fines of thirty euros if a trained coach cannot participate on game day, creating additional pressure on clubs with volunteer staff and part time professionals who often juggle other obligations.
The clubs warned that the current regulations could trigger walkouts or sit-ins if not revised. They emphasized the need for a system that allows an alternate coach to be on the bench when the appointed coach is unavailable. This issue is particularly acute in amateur and public futsal categories across Alicante, where many coaches are not full-time professionals and must balance work and family commitments. The clubs urged immediate discussion with the relevant federation authorities to address these concerns before the upcoming competitive period.
The statement was directed to the leadership of the federation with appeals to the president, the secretary, the head of the technical committee, and the coaching committee chair, as well as to the Alicante delegation. It was signed by a broad coalition of clubs and underscored a shared view that the current system makes it impossible to align coaching across all teams within a single club when necessary. This would ensure proper management of each club’s teams and guarantee sufficient qualified coaches for every squad.
The clubs highlighted specific scenarios that require attention. They described situations where a club employs a single coach for multiple teams or where coaches hold dual licenses while meeting the EST credential for more than one team. They argued that when a coach cannot attend a match, a capable colleague should be able to substitute without causing disruption. The preferred approach is to rely on a trained substitute rather than appointing an unanointed delegate who may lack the necessary credentials.
The collective demand is that coaches be permitted to align with all teams within their clubs, as has been customary in the past, to ensure effective team management and consistent attendance at matches. They argued that the current restrictions have made alignment impossible and jeopardize the ability of clubs to run their programs smoothly. The clubs requested urgent consideration of these issues and proposed actionable steps to ensure proper coverage for every team within the club structure.
A deadline was proposed for resolution, with a call for authorities to engage on this matter promptly. The clubs warned that if the issue remained unresolved by the stated timeframe, they would contemplate measures that could halt matches in basic divisions across the region. This stance also drew support from clubs with teams in youth divisions and in the national league tiers, reinforcing a unified position across the futsal community in Alicante.
Signed affiliations include well known Alicante futsal entities such as CD Calpe Futsal, CFS Petrer, CFS Dianense, Xaloc Alacant FS and FS Castillo de Biar, among others. The list represents a broad cross section of clubs dedicated to fostering fair play, competitive balance, and the long term development of players and coaches in the sport. The message from these clubs reflected a shared conviction that the status quo is unsustainable and should be revised to ensure robust coaching coverage for every team throughout the season. The signatories positioned their appeal as urgent and grounded in the practical realities faced by weekend leagues, youth programs, and senior amateur teams across the province. They urged responsive dialogue with the federation to safeguard the health of the sport at the community level and to ensure that coaching standards remain high while allowing the necessary flexibility for clubs to operate effectively. For attribution of the policy context and the statements below, the clubs relied on internal communications and coordinated outreach to federation representatives. The contents of the appeal are presented to emphasize the collective interest of Alicante futsal and to encourage timely engagement with the sport’s governing bodies, as reported by multiple club records and associations within the region.