Share This Page

Disability Football 5-a-side

Ian C. Langtree - Writer/Editor for Disabled World (DW)
Published: 2009/02/20 - Updated: 2023/12/13
Publication Type: Informative
Topic: Disability Football Information - Publications List

Page Content: Synopsis - Introduction - Main

Synopsis: Blind Football 5-a-side is an adaptation of football for athletes with disability visual impairments including blindness. Football 5-a-side, governed by the International Blind Sports Federation (IBSA), is played with modified FIFA rules.

Introduction

Football 5-a-side, governed by the International Blind Sports Federation (IBSA), is played with modified FIFA rules.

Main Content

The field of play is smaller, and is surrounded by boards.

Teams are reduced to five players, including the goalkeeper, per team.

Teams may also use one guide, who is positioned off the field of play, to assist in directing players.

The ball is equipped with a noise-making device to allow players to locate it by sound.

Matches consist of two 25-minute halves, with a ten-minute break at half-time.

Teams are permitted to use sighted athletes as goalkeepers and guides; sighted goalkeepers cannot have been registered with FIFA for at least five years.

Two types of competition exist:

Football 5-a-side players assigned to one of three sport classes based on their level of visual impairment:

Football 5-a-side in Europe was developed in Spain.

The first Spanish national championships took place in Spain in 1986.

In South America, there are records of a Brazilian Tournament organized in 1980.

European and American Championships took place in 1997, followed by the first World Championships in 1998.

The sport was added to the Summer Paralympic Games in 2004.

Author Credentials: Ian is an Australian-born writer, editor, and advocate who currently resides in Montreal, Canada. He is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of Disabled World, a leading resource for news and information on disability issues. With a global perspective shaped by years of travel and lived experience, Ian is a committed proponent of the Social Model of Disability-a transformative framework developed by disabled activists in the 1970s that emphasizes dismantling societal barriers rather than focusing solely on individual impairments. His work reflects a deep commitment to disability rights, accessibility, and social inclusion. To learn more about Ian's background, expertise, and accomplishments, visit his full biography.

Explore Similar Topics

: Facemasks accounted for over half of the top 10% of head impacts experienced by players in the study, highlighting the importance of prioritizing new helmet designs.

: With the upcoming FA Cup Final and Champions League Final taking place at Wembley, we highlight the stadium's commitment to providing inclusive experiences for all fans.

Share This Page

Citing and References

Founded in 2004, Disabled World (DW) is a leading resource on disabilities, assistive technologies, and accessibility, supporting the disability community. Learn more on our About Us page.

Cite This Page: Disabled World. (2009, February 20 - Last revised: 2023, December 13). Disability Football 5-a-side. Disabled World (DW). Retrieved June 14, 2025 from www.disabled-world.com/sports/football/5-a-side.php

Permalink: <a href="https://www.disabled-world.com/sports/football/5-a-side.php">Disability Football 5-a-side</a>: Blind Football 5-a-side is an adaptation of football for athletes with disability visual impairments including blindness.

While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, it's important to note that our content is for general informational purposes only. We always recommend consulting qualified healthcare professionals for personalized medical advice. Any 3rd party offering or advertising does not constitute an endorsement.