Dear Friends,
On behalf of the Executive Committee of the Deaf International Football Association (DIFA) and myself, I extend my heartfelt wishes for a joyful Christmas and a prosperous New Year 2025! This past year has been a challenging one for our football community. The ongoing geopolitical climate has presented significant obstacles for many sports federations, straining relationships within and beyond our organizations.
Despite these difficulties, the standard of international deaf football tournaments remains remarkably high. The level of competition in men’s and women’s football and futsal continues to rise, making outcomes increasingly unpredictable. This speaks to the importance of DIFA’s unwavering commitment to supporting and preparing our members, ensuring the sustained growth and excellence of global tournaments.
DIFA has worked tirelessly to promote deaf football across the regions, and the results are evident. We are witnessing a surge of enthusiasm for the sport worldwide. This year, Kazakhstan successfully hosted the World Deaf Futsal Championship in June, while Malaysia held the World Deaf Football Championship last year. These events are vital in providing our members with invaluable competitive experience and fostering the growth of the sport. We remain steadfast in our efforts to bring futsal back to the international stage, and we are optimistic about achieving this important goal in the near future.
I want to express my deepest gratitude to the fans of deaf football for their unwavering dedication to this beloved sport, especially during these trying times. Together, we continue to demonstrate strength and resilience, ensuring that 2025 and 2026 will be filled with success, excitement, and joy. May the coming year bring you and your loved ones good health, happiness, and prosperity.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! Stay safe and take care.
Warm regards,
Iakov FRENKEL
President
Deaf International Football Association (DIFA)
