The International Socca Federation (ISF) is the world governing body of small-sided football, often referred to as Socca, and abbreviated to ISF [1]. The ISF organises Socca World Cup's [2], European Championships [3], TUI Socca Champions League's, and Socca Copa America's [4], all which differ in format. For either, 5-, 6-, 7- or 8-a-side tournaments for professional national and club teams.[5]
The ISF was formed in late 2017 and was launched at a ceremony in Birmingham in February 2018, with guests of honour including World Cup and EURO referee Mark Clattenburg.[6][7] 51 countries invited to the launch.[8]
Eligibility criteria for countries to host a tournament are for official ISF Members, who at least have a silver package ISF membership [9], paid via the ISF website.
Governance
The governance structure announced involves a number of top figures from within ISF. At the highest level is the President of the International Socca Federation, David Leone.
ISF Memberships
A country is not recognised as a member of ISF until the relevant 5-, 6-, or 7-a-side membership has been purchased and paid for in full. ISF membership is granted on a format-specific basis, with each format conferring exclusive rights to represent the country in ISF competitions for that discipline. ISF memberships operate on a fixed one-year term (1 January – 31 December) and are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. Once a country’s membership for a specific discipline has been purchased for the membership year, no other organisation may represent that country, enter teams, or hold membership for the same discipline until the following membership year. Where a country’s membership has been purchased for one format only, any remaining formats that have not been purchased remain available and are not reserved or restricted. [10]
Partners
In 2024, the International Socca Federation announced a multi-year global partnership with TUI Group, a multinational travel and tourism company. Under the agreement, TUI became the title sponsor of several ISF international tournaments and is represented across a number of ISF events annually. The partnership forms part of TUI’s broader sports sponsorship strategy and includes the development of travel packages linked to selected socca tournaments from 2025.
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.[11][12] Other players that signed up to be ambassadors included Robert Pires and Ryan Giggs.[13]
The inaugural Socca Champions League tournament was held in October 2018 in Poreč, Croatia. Dynamik Toruń from Poland emerged as champions.[27] A second Champions League was held in Maribor, Slovenia in September 2019. Slovenian side ARKO Kljucarovci beat Dynamik Toruń 4–2 in overtime.[28]
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