Shams, in Kuala Lumpur for the AFC Elite Futsal Coaching Instructors Course, said Asians have the ability to catch up with their European counterparts in four years time.
“The future of futsal is Asia,” Shams told the-afc.com. “Asian players have what it takes to go far in futsal because we are speedy and technically sound.
“Futsal depends a lot on your skills, pace and intelligence.”
Iran have won nine of the past 10 AFC Futsal Championships and have represented Asia five times in the FIFA World Cup finals, finishing fourth and fifth in 1992 and 2008 respectively.
They are sixth in the world rankings and are, without doubt, the top futsal team in Asia.
Shams said, of the other Asian countries, Thailand have huge potential. Japan are also Asian powers while China are another emerging team.
“I am happy to see teams like Thailand, Japan and China actively develops futsal,” said Shams. “Arab teams like Kuwait, Qatar and Jordan are also getting more serious in this sport. While in Central Asia, Uzbekistan is always a big threat.
“Thailand is the next best team in Asia after Iran. But history is the best proof. Until they can emulate our success, we are still the numero uno in Asia."
“There are 12 millions futsal players in Iran and our Pro league is 10 years old. I don’t think there are any other Asian countries like us. We are still a class above the rest.”
Shams’ next target is the 2012 FIFA World Cup, with 34-year-old AFC Player of the Year Vahid Shamsaee likely to lead the team.
“Valid is still the best in the business. For me, he is among the top five players in the world and a role model for our team, in which the average age is just 25, the perfect age for a futsal team.
“Not many players can train like him. He is a very talented, hardworking and well disciplined, a special one.
“I see him still in his prime for another three years. The 2012 World Cup will be his swansong.”