Ahmad Zein Salamo
Jakarta – Indonesia is currently hosting the Asian Champions League (ACL) 2025 minifootball tournament, a significant event preceding the nation’s role as host of the Asia Cup in mid-2026. The ACL 2025 officially commenced on November 17 at the ASIOP Stadium in Cempaka Putih, Jakarta, featuring 12 of the top clubs from 10 member countries of the Asian Mini Football Confederation (AMFC).
“We want to demonstrate our seriousness, especially from the Asian Mini Football Confederation (AMFC) as the umbrella organization for minifootball in Asia and also as the host, FSMI. We are serious about developing minifootball in Indonesia,” said Eric Tuapattinaya, Chairman of the Indonesian Mini Football Federation (FSMI), to reporters.
"So, this is just one (activity). We want to continue with various activities in the future, both at the national and Asian levels," he added.
Indonesia has been entrusted with hosting the 2026 Minifootball Asia Cup. In the previous edition, Indonesia secured the runner-up position, subsequently representing Asia in the Minifootball World Cup 2025 in Baku, Azerbaijan, scheduled from May 21 to June 1, 2025.
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"Coincidentally, next year Indonesia has been appointed to host the Asia Cup around July 2026. So, for us, the Indonesian Mini Football Federation, this is an opportunity to really arouse the spirit of the minifootball ecosystem in Indonesia, to be more enthusiastic about achieving and can bring a good name to Indonesia," Eric conveyed.
"Because of that, we want to develop the competition in Indonesia. Yesterday we actually started with the Jakarta area first. Later it will continue to various regions in Indonesia," he emphasized.
Indonesia has two representatives in the ACL 2025. Barber United defeated Bangkrirk 3-1, and Jakarta Rangers drew 3-3 with AL Atta.
Minifootball: A Rapidly Growing Sport
Minifootball, a faster-paced and more dynamic variant of traditional football, has been gaining considerable traction globally, particularly in Asia. The sport is characterized by smaller teams, typically five to seven players per side, and is played on a smaller pitch, often indoors. This format encourages more frequent scoring opportunities and continuous action, making it a highly engaging spectacle for both players and spectators.
The Asian Mini Football Confederation (AMFC) plays a pivotal role in promoting and regulating the sport across the continent. The AMFC organizes various tournaments and championships, providing a platform for national teams and clubs to compete at the highest level. The ACL, in particular, serves as the premier club competition in Asia, attracting top teams from across the region.
Indonesia’s Commitment to Minifootball Development
Indonesia’s hosting of the ACL 2025 and the upcoming 2026 Asia Cup underscores the nation’s commitment to fostering the growth of minifootball within its borders. The Indonesian Mini Football Federation (FSMI) has been actively involved in developing the sport at the grassroots level, organizing leagues and tournaments for various age groups.
The FSMI’s efforts have yielded positive results, with Indonesia’s national minifootball team achieving significant success in international competitions. The team’s runner-up finish in the previous edition of the Asia Cup and subsequent qualification for the World Cup in Baku are testaments to the progress made in recent years.
Eric Tuapattinaya’s remarks highlight the FSMI’s ambition to further elevate the profile of minifootball in Indonesia. The federation plans to expand its activities beyond Jakarta, establishing leagues and tournaments in other regions of the country. This initiative aims to provide more opportunities for aspiring minifootball players to hone their skills and compete at a higher level.
ACL 2025: Tournament Overview
The ACL 2025 features 12 clubs from 10 Asian countries, showcasing the diversity and growing popularity of minifootball across the continent. The tournament is being held at the ASIOP Stadium in Cempaka Putih, Jakarta, a venue specifically designed for minifootball competitions.
The participating teams are divided into groups, with the top teams advancing to the knockout stages. The tournament promises to be a highly competitive affair, with each team vying for the prestigious title of Asian Champions League winner.
The presence of two Indonesian teams, Barber United and Jakarta Rangers, adds local flavor to the tournament. Barber United’s victory over Bangkrirk and Jakarta Rangers’ draw against AL Atta demonstrate the competitiveness of Indonesian minifootball clubs on the Asian stage.
Road to the 2026 Asia Cup
The ACL 2025 serves as an important preparatory event for Indonesia’s hosting of the 2026 Asia Cup. The tournament provides valuable experience for the organizing committee in terms of logistics, venue management, and security arrangements.
Furthermore, the ACL 2025 helps to generate excitement and anticipation for the Asia Cup, raising awareness of minifootball among the Indonesian public. The FSMI hopes that the success of the ACL 2025 will inspire more people to get involved in the sport, either as players, coaches, or fans.
Indonesia’s hosting of the 2026 Asia Cup is a significant milestone for minifootball in the country. The event will bring together the top national teams from across Asia, providing a platform to showcase the sport’s growing popularity and competitiveness.
The FSMI is committed to ensuring that the 2026 Asia Cup is a resounding success, both on and off the field. The federation is working closely with the AMFC and other stakeholders to deliver a world-class event that will leave a lasting legacy for minifootball in Indonesia.
Anticipated Economic and Social Impact
Hosting the Asia Cup in 2026 is projected to have a substantial economic impact on Indonesia. The influx of teams, officials, and fans from across Asia will boost tourism revenue, benefiting hotels, restaurants, and other businesses in the hospitality sector.
Moreover, the event will generate employment opportunities in various fields, including event management, security, transportation, and catering. The Asia Cup will also provide a platform to promote Indonesia’s cultural heritage and tourism destinations to a global audience.
Beyond the economic benefits, the Asia Cup is expected to have a positive social impact on Indonesian society. The event will promote national pride and unity, bringing people together from all walks of life to support their national team.
The Asia Cup will also inspire young Indonesians to take up minifootball, fostering a culture of sportsmanship and healthy competition. The FSMI plans to use the event as a catalyst to further develop the sport at the grassroots level, ensuring that minifootball continues to thrive in Indonesia for years to come.
Challenges and Opportunities
Despite the numerous benefits, hosting the Asia Cup also presents certain challenges. The FSMI will need to address issues such as infrastructure development, security arrangements, and traffic management to ensure a smooth and successful event.
However, the challenges also present opportunities for innovation and improvement. The FSMI can leverage the Asia Cup to upgrade existing sports facilities, enhance security protocols, and develop sustainable transportation solutions.
By addressing these challenges effectively, Indonesia can demonstrate its ability to host major international sporting events, further enhancing its reputation as a global sports destination.
Looking Ahead
As Indonesia prepares to host the 2026 Asia Cup, the future of minifootball in the country looks bright. The FSMI’s commitment to grassroots development, coupled with the growing popularity of the sport, suggests that minifootball will continue to thrive in Indonesia for many years to come.
The success of the ACL 2025 and the upcoming Asia Cup will undoubtedly inspire more Indonesians to get involved in minifootball, either as players, coaches, or fans. The sport has the potential to become a major force in Indonesian sports culture, providing opportunities for young people to achieve their dreams and represent their country on the international stage.
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Author Profile
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Ahmad Zein Salamo is a dedicated football journalist at Sports News Break, covering the global game with a sharp eye for detail and passion for storytelling. With years of experience following Europe’s top leagues and international tournaments, he delivers insightful analysis, match previews, and breaking news with journalistic integrity and depth.
His reporting combines tactical understanding with a human perspective, highlighting not only the drama on the pitch but also the stories that shape the sport beyond it. From Champions League nights to grassroots football, Ahmad’s work reflects a true love for the beautiful game and a commitment to bringing readers closer to the action.
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