Iran came to England, probably 2000- must search out actual date, and played Tranmere Victoria Futsal Club at a venue near Chester. Up to that date the FA had shown no interest to play futsal, but they did send delegates to watch, at the request of the Tranmere team. Impressed, a meeting and small tournament followed, held in Sheffield (6 teams and 3 of which was from Grimsby), attended by both the FA and FIFA. The seeds was sown for a game that is just gaining the rapid momentum and drive anticipated ten years ago, but better late than never.
The cost of bringing Iran to England, the email I received from FIFA, remember the FA was not interested, was 9K with FIFA picking up 3K, so a
huge financial effort was needed to bring them over.
Tranere played them 2 nights and from memory was well beaten on both, not unexpected as Iran then was 5th in world then.
Kevin Bryant
Principle YourFutsal web site