about AFTL

THE FIRST MEETING WITH FFTL AND THE BEGINNING OF THE TIMOR-LESTE FUTSAL ASSOCIATION

The journey to formally establish futsal in Timor-Leste began in early 2020, when a group of passionate former futsal players came together with a shared vision to develop and promote the sport nationally. Recognizing the need for a structured and official body, they initiated discussions on how to approach the Federação de Futebol de Timor-Leste (FFTL) to seek support for creating a national futsal league.
The first official meeting between the group and FFTL marked a pivotal moment. During this meeting, the group presented their proposal to form an organization dedicated solely to futsal development. FFTL welcomed the initiative and encouraged the group to take formal steps toward establishing an independent futsal association that could operate under FFTL’s guidance and framework.
As a result of this productive dialogue and mutual support, the Associação de Futebol de Timor-Leste (AFTL) was officially established on 7 February 2020. This marked the formal beginning of an organized effort to build a strong futsal foundation in the country. AFTL held its first congress on 11 July 2020, where its leadership structure, statutes, and strategic vision were defined. This led to further institutional strengthening and culminated in AFTL becoming a full member of FFTL on 24 July 2021, during the VI Annual Congress held in Dili.
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FUTSAL DEVELOPMENT IN 2020–2024
The period from 2020 to 2024 marked a transformative phase in the development of futsal in Timor-Leste. It began in early 2020, when a group of former futsal players came together with a shared vision to establish a national futsal league under the umbrella of the Federação de Futebol de Timor-Leste (FFTL). This initiative led to the formal establishment of the Associação de Futebol de Timor-Leste (AFTL) on 7 February 2020, followed by its inaugural congress on 11 July 2020. AFTL was officially accepted as a full member of FFTL on 24 July 2021 during the VI Annual Congress in Dili.

Since its inception, AFTL has played a crucial role in organizing national futsal competitions and creating a sustainable platform for the sport’s growth. Key competitions included the Pre-League Futsal Season 2020–2021, the Under-14 Futsal Cup in 2022, and the Futsal League Division 1 and 2 in 2023, which provided structured competitive opportunities for both youth and adult players.
On the international stage, Timor-Leste’s national futsal team participated in regional competitions in 2022, 2023, and 2024, marking a significant step in the country’s representation and development in futsal at a higher level.
In terms of capacity building, significant strides were made in referee and coaching development. Futsal referee training programs were successfully conducted not only at the national level but also across several municipalities including Oecusse, Bobonaro, Liquiçá, Same, Manatuto, Baucau, and Viqueque. Additionally, AFC Level 1 Coaching Courses were held in 2022 (Edition 1) and 2024 (Edition 2) to build a qualified pool of local futsal coaches.
Another notable milestone was the joint effort between AFTL and FFTL to secure land for the construction of an international-standard indoor futsal facility. In 2025, thanks to the leadership and dedication of FFTL President Mr. Nilton Gusmão dos Santos and Secretary General Mr. José Adilson Ribeiro, the Government of Timor-Leste officially allocated land in Tasi-Tolu for the development of this long-awaited futsal venue.
This progress reflects a collaborative commitment to the sustainable development of futsal in Timor-Leste, laying a strong foundation for future achievements both domestically and internationally.