Futsalroos squad named for AFC Futsal Asian Cup Thailand 2024™

Futsalroos’ Head Coach Miles Downie has selected a strong 14-player squad to represent Australia at the AFC Futsal Asian Cup Thailand 2024™ to be contested 17 – 28 April. 

After breaking an eight-year drought to qualify for the AFC Futsal Asian Cup Thailand 2024™, the Australians have been drawn in Group B alongside four-time runners-up Uzbekistan, 2016 quarter-finalists Iraq and Saudi Arabia, who will feature in their third AFC Futsal Asian Cup™. 

Comprising a blend of seasoned veterans and rising talents, the Futsalroos are coming off a successful preparation period over the past 4-weeks including three wins over the Solomon Islands and qualifying for the final of the NSDF Futsal Championships in Thailand which featured victories over Malaysia and Thailand. 

Sharpshooter Shervin Keshavarz Adeli (Football NSW) headlines the squad following a rich vein of form in the NSDF Futsal Championships, while experienced goalkeeper Domenic Badolato (Football NSW) returns to the squad alongside emerging goalkeeper Aaron Yu (Football Victoria) who impressed at the NSDF Futsal Championships. 

Speaking about the AFC Futsal Asian Cup Thailand 2024™, Head Coach Miles Downie said: “The Futsal Asian Cup is the pinnacle of futsal in our region, and we're proud to be representing Australia on this stage,” Downie said.  

“There has been significant development within the squad from both an individual and collective perspective since we started this campaign. Each player understands the significance of representing the Futsalroos, both on and off the pitch and it is pleasing to see how far we’ve come as a Futsal nation since re-establishing the national men’s program post the COVID pandemic.   

“The group are constantly developing, learning to recognise what is essential in each moment as well as understanding how to get the best out of each other.  

“Our preparation has supplied us with some key learnings and experiences we will be able to call on in key moments come the Asian Cup. 

“Combining the experience of our senior players, with the fresh energy and talent of our emerging players, the squad strikes a good balance ready to compete in April,” Downie concluded. 

The top four finishers at the AFC Futsal Asian Cup Thailand 2024™ will qualify for the FIFA Futsal World Cup Uzbekistan 2024™, which will take place between 14 September and 6 October, 2024. Should Uzbekistan - who have already qualified for the FIFA Futsal World Cup™ as hosts - advance to the semi-finals of the AFC Futsal Asian Cup™, the four losing quarter-finalists will playoff for the final Asian spot at the FIFA Futsal World Cup™.