Futsal clubs of the province of Alicante rebel against the Valencian Community Football Federation
Futsal clubs in the Alicante province, numbering more than fifty, have decided they have had enough. Their representatives have chosen not to attend the meeting scheduled for this Thursday afternoon at seven o’clock. Instead, they will focus on matches where various teams are set to play. The plan targets a wide range of levels—from teenage leagues to senior divisions—and they are prepared to suspend play this weekend if the issue with their coach remains unresolved. Matches from the Third League up to the Honor League will proceed under the protection of the Spanish Federation.
A firm stance has emerged against a rule they deem absurd: the inability to replace coaches when illness or work prevents the starting players and assigned staff from switching teams freely.
Alicante clubs will not attend the meeting because they believe it should take place at the Alicante Delegation’s headquarters in the provincial capital. Most leaders are local to Alicante and would miss work or training to participate. They suggest it would be more practical for Valencia Federation executives to travel to Alicante, making the process smoother for both sides.
If a strike is chosen and games are not played, it will be a protest against a rule seen as completely ridiculous. Teams that do not participate in matches for lack of a head coach face a 6-0 defeat and a fine. Sources from Alicante clubs warn that the decision to pause play could stir discontent among parents whose children will miss their scheduled games.
Moreover, it is noted that the Royal Spanish Football Federation regulations allow substituting different technicians in the same circumstances.
From the Valencian Federation, President Salvador Gomar explained that such substitutions are possible and that there is a computer program capable of requesting a coach change with a simple button press. Alicante clubs recall that changes often occur at the last minute when non-professional coaches fall ill or cannot adjust their work schedules. They also argue that calling the autonomous federation’s phone number is nearly impossible to reach because weekend staff are not available, and there is no dedicated number for these cases.
Gomar asserted that the problem would be solved and that what happened was a computer malfunction. Still, the clubs do not trust this explanation. If the issue is resolved, they will play this weekend but will request a new meeting next week to reach a definitive understanding and ensure such incidents do not recur.
Alicante clubs remind readers that every team had a designated coach with required qualifications who was paid a fee of 300 euros. They contend that the most sensible approach would be for each team to decide whether its starter can be replaced by a player from another team who is contracted and paid by the Valencian Federation.
Furthermore, the delegates, whose fees range around 50 to 60 euros, are there to assist the coach and to help organize the match. They claim they were allowed to sit on the bench and provide guidance, yet often lack the necessary training and preparation for ongoing instruction.
With this plan, Alicante clubs hope that the federation’s leadership will reverse the rule and permit changes of coaches, following the example set by the Spanish Federation. They seek the authority to decide the coach of each team if the appointed person cannot attend, or at least to have more opportunities to step in when last-minute issues arise.
Signatory clubs:
– CD Calpe Futsal
– CFS Petrer
– CFS Dianense
– Xaloc Alacant FS
– FS Castillo de Biar
– CD Paidos Denia
– CD Orihuela FS
– FS Kallosa
– FS Altea
– CFS Ribeco Castalla
– UD La Hoya
– Serelles Alcoy FS
– CFS Horadada
– CD Horadada Thiar
– FSF Joventut D’Elx
– Futsal San Vicente
– Futsal Ibi
– Aspe FS
– Busot FS
– Yeni Elda FS
– Pinoso Athletic Fs
– Elche 2012 CFS
– CF Union Beneixama
– CFS Costablanca Altea
– CFS Sporting La Nucía
– SMM Novelda FS
– Torres San Vicente FS
– CFS UD Torrevieja
– Novelda Union CF
– CD Trotamundos de Jijona
– Ye Fake FS
– CFS L’Alfas del Pi
– Villena FS
– Bel-liana FS
– Hondón de los Frailes FS
– Atl. Guardamar FS alone
– Hercules San Vicente FS
– RCD Albatera
– Mutxamel BeniFutsal FS
– CD Faro de Santa Pola FS
– Esport Base Benissa
– CD Xaló Futsal
– CFS Castalla
– Race in Ondarense CFS
– CFS Intercity Crevillent
– Formentera CF
– CFS San Blas Sax