Sports Details

Amputee Football

18 Jan 2026

Amputee Football is far more than just an adaptation of the world’s most popular sport—it is a high-octane display of elite athleticism, balance, and sheer determination. Governed globally by the World Amputee Football Federation (WAFF), this sport proves that physical challenges are no match for the human spirit.

The Mechanics: How the Game is Played

While the passion remains the same as traditional football, the mechanics of Amputee Football are unique and physically demanding:

  • The Squad: Each team consists of seven players—six outfield players and one goalkeeper.
  • Outfield Players: These athletes have lower-limb amputations and compete without prostheses, using Lofstrand (forearm) crutches to navigate the pitch with incredible speed and agility.
  • Goalkeepers: To ensure a level playing field, goalkeepers have an upper-limb amputation and are restricted to their penalty area.
  • The "Crutch" Rule: In this sport, crutches are considered extensions of the arms. While incidental contact is allowed, using a crutch to control, block, or advance the ball is penalized as a handball.

Facts & Rules

  • Pitch Dimensions: Played on a 70x60m pitch with slightly smaller goals ($2.2m \times 5m$).
  • No Offsides: To keep the action fast and fluid, the offside rule does not apply.
  • Match Duration: Typically consists of two 25-minute halves, allowing for intense, high-energy play.
  • Standard Equipment: A FIFA-standard ball is used, and all players must wear shin pads for safety.

A Legacy of Inspiration

Though the sport has roots in the early 1900s, the modern version was pioneered by Don Bennett in 1982. From its first international tournament in Seattle (1984) to the global stage today, the sport has grown exponentially.

In a historic moment for the sport, Marcin Oleksy won the 2022 FIFA Puskás Award for the "most beautiful goal of the year," proving that amputee footballers are among the most skilled technical players on the planet.

Major Global Competitions

Amputee football continues to gain recognition through major international tournaments, including:

  1. Amputee Football World Cup
  2. European Amputee Football Championship
  3. Asian Amputee Football Championship
  4. African Amputee Football Cup of Nations

At NPC Bangladesh, we believe in the power of sports to transform lives. Amputee football is a testament to the fact that with the right opportunity, every athlete can reach the pinnacle of international competition.