"Premier Futsal will be a great way to introduce the sport to India."
Ryan Giggs is to face off against the likes of Paul Scholes, Hernan Crespo and Ronaldinho in the first edition of India’s Premier Futsal.
The inaugural league, whose president is Portugal legend Luis Figo, pitting 72 of the world’s best Futsal players against one another in six teams of 12.
Futsal is a shorter, more aggressive form of football, that has only five players from each team on the pitch at any one time, and lasts only 40 minutes.
Giggs and many others have been signed on as marquee players and team ambassadors, who will lead futsal players from all over the world in the tournament.
Upon arriving in India on July 13, he has received an overwhelming welcome from fans.
Two @ManUtd fans had the opportunity to get autographs from the legendary Ryan Giggs in Chennai. #PremierFutsal pic.twitter.com/BcG07HRqMy
— Premier Futsal (@PremierFutsalHQ) 14 July 2016
The Welshman spent his entire professional career playing for Manchester United, and was interim manager of the team after David Moyes’ departure.
He officially retired from play in 2014, and has begun a career change, moving into management.
Giggs’ former United teammate Paul Scholes signed up for the league in 2015, and has been an enthusiastic ambassador for the sport.
Speaking to the Futsal League website, he says: “I have seen Futsal grow not just back home, but also across the world and I have played in a few of those tournaments.
“Premier Futsal will be a great way to introduce the sport to India.”
But not everyone shares Scholes’ enthusiasm for the sport. India’s chief footballing body has chosen not to recognise the League as an official body.
The League has decided to proceed regardless. With many world famous players participating, there will be a lot of interest from football’s international audience.
Here is a list of all marquee players and the teams they will be playing for:
- Ryan Giggs ~ Mumbai 5s
- Falcao ~ Chennai 5s
- Hernan Crespo ~ Kolkata 5s
- Paul Scholes ~ Bengaluru 5s
- Ronaldinho ~ Goa 5s
- Michel Salgado ~ Kochi 5s
Premier Futsal will run run July 15 to 24, 2016..
Broadcasting rights have been acquired by Sony, and will be shown through Sony SIX, Sony ESPN and Sony Aath.
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