The International Socca Federation (ISF) is an organization which sets up the Socca World Cup. It is a governing body for amateur[1]six-a-side football.
Any national organisation which runs 5, 6, 7 or 8-a-side football leagues is eligible to join ISF. [2]
History
Formation
The ISF was formed in late 2017 by small-sided football teams across Europe and the rest of the world. It was launched at a ceremony in Birmingham in February 2018, with guests of honour including World Cup and EURO referee Mark Clattenburg.[3][4] 51 countries invited to the launch.[5]
Eligibility criteria are minimal. Anyone who wants to run a national 6-a-side team in their country can register with the ISF if no such team already exists, subject to an approval process.[6]
Governance
The governance structure announced involves a number of top figures from the Socca world. Pakistani businessman Shahzeb Mehmood Trunkwala of World Group[7] was elected as Honorary Vice President, along with English solicitor and charity founder Tim Ollerenshaw.[8]
Greek businessman Thanos Papadopoulos[9] took over as CEO, and German events mogul Christoph Köchy[10] became Head Of Sponsorship.[11] Stuart Winton, a socca referee, was appointed tournament director.[12][13]
Ambassadors
Popular football figures were signed on to be ambassadors, led by Brazilian World Cup winner Ronaldinho, who has played in socca exhibition games in Pakistan in summer 2017.[14][15] Other players that signed up to be ambassadors included Robert Pires and Ryan Giggs.[16]
A Socca Champions League was held in October 2018 in Porec, Croatia. Dynamik Toruń from Poland emerged as champions.[24] A second Champions League was held in Maribor, Slovenia in September 2019. Slovenian side ARKO Kljucarovci beat Dynamik Toruń 4–2 in overtime.[25]
