ITFC Congress 2024: Key Decisions and Future Plans
The 2024 International Table Football Confederation (ITFC) Congress took place on November 22, led by ITFC President István Mártonfi. Delegates from member nations convened to review reports, vote on key matters, and discuss the future of the sport.
Highlights of the Congress
- Approval of Reports and New Members
Delegates unanimously approved the 2023 financial and professional reports, reflecting a productive year for the ITFC. Additionally, the Congress voted to admit two new members:- Hungarian Table Football Federation (Magyar Asztali Labdarúgó Szövetség)
- Klub Bečej 2003 Serbia
- Competition Calendar for 2025
The finalized 2025 competition calendar was discussed and will soon be published. In a significant announcement, the Congress confirmed that after the 2025 European Championship, the 2026 World Cup will be held in Europe. President Mártonfi will reveal the host city by May 2025. The 2026 World Cup is expected to be the largest in ITFC history, setting a new benchmark for international table football events. - Membership Fees and Youth Engagement
Members voted on next year’s membership fees and emphasized the importance of engaging younger players. Strategies to attract and involve youth were highlighted as critical for the sport’s growth and sustainability. - International Friendlies and New Disciplines
- The U.S. team expressed interest in organizing friendly matches, which are likely to take place in Europe and Brazil.
- The Catalan Federation reiterated its desire to have Button Football officially recognized as an ITFC discipline. This milestone is close to realization, as the requirement of active play in five countries is nearly met; matches are now being held in four countries.
Looking Ahead
The ITFC will reconvene in February 2026 to further discuss progress and plan for upcoming events.
The Congress underscored the Confederation’s commitment to innovation, inclusivity, and the sport’s global expansion, with milestones like the 2026 World Cup and new collaborations on the horizon.