Blind Football

Sports Summary

Blind Football has been a Paralympic sport since the Athens 2004 Paralympic Games.

It is played between two teams with four players who are blind, as well as one sighted or visually impaired goalkeeper. Additionally, each team has a guide behind the opponent’s goal to direct the players when they shoot.

The rules are similar to the FIFA Futsal game except there are five players per side, the field of play is smaller, all team members except the goalkeeper play with eyeshades, the ball makes a noise when it moves and there is no offside rule.

For more information on Blind Football Eligibility and How to Get Involved please see the Blind Football Information Sheet (PDF – 83KB) – updated May 2024.

Events & Disciplines

Every football match is played between two teams with four blind athletes and one sighted or vision impaired goalkeeper on the field as well as up to five substitutes (four blind athletes and one sighted or vision impaired goalkeeper). Additionally, each team has a guide behind the opponent’s goal to direct the players when they shoot.

A football match lasts 30 minutes with two halves of 15 minutes each and a 10-minute half time in between. The winning team is the one that scores the most goals during a match.

A men’s eight team tournament is run at the Paralympic Games.

Classification

Blind football is open to athletes with a vision impairment. Athletes are required to submit medical reports and meet the minimum impairment criteria in order to compete. Eligibility is determined by trained Classifiers.

For more information on Eligible Impairments and Classification please see the Blind Football Information Sheet (PDF – 91KB) – updated August 2022.

Rules & Equipment

The Ball

The ball is made of leather or special synthetic material. It is a size 3 ball with a circumference of 60-62 cm and it has a low bounce and an internal sound device so the athletes can hear it.

Clothing

The athletes of a team are obliged to wear the same kit (uniform), which consists of a shirt, a pair of shorts and socks. The colour of the goalkeeper’s uniform must be different from those of their teammates, as well as from those of the referees.

Shin Pads

Special protective pads made of plastic or another soft material which are placed inside the athlete’s socks to protect their shins.

Shoes

Football/soccer shoes with small rubber studs suitable for use on synthetic grass which aid the athlete’s movement on the ground.

Goalkeeper’s gloves

Special gloves which help the goalkeeper in stopping the ball and preventing the scoring of a goal, while protecting their hands.

Blindfolds or mask

The athletes who are inside the field of play, with the exception of the goalkeeper, wear blindfolds or a mask to ensure equality among the players.

Links

International Blind Sports Association

International Paralympic Committee

Contacts

We encourage those wishing to explore blind football to contact the national federation. The national federation link below provides information on the local programs and national high performance program leading to competing internationally and at the Paralympic Games.