Sponsors of the C4 London 2012 Paralympic Games site
29th August - 9th September
Football (5 a-side)
How it works
Standard football rules apply in 50-minute contests. As the outfield players wear blacked-out masks, a special ball that rattles with a bell inside is used, while a guide shouting instructions from behind the goal also plays a crucial role.
Men's Competition
Other teams participating
Brazil
Argentina
China
Spain
France
Great Britain
Iran
Turkey
.
Event Info
-
Footballers: 64
(only men compete) -
Medal events: 1
-
Venue: RIVERBANK ARENA
60 second guide
What you need to know
- 1
The only people allowed on the pitch without blindfolds are the goalkeepers, who are sighted. A coach can stand behind the goal and shout instruction to the players about positioning.
- 2
There are no throw-ins, corner kicks or offside laws as matches are played in a walled pitch. Each half lasts 25 minutes with a 10-minute interval in between.
- 3
Penalties are awarded for fouls, handballs, goalkeepers stepping outside their box - and also if any player is caught touching their blindfolds.
- 4
England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland play as separate nations until the Paralympic Games, when they take to the pitch as Great Britain.
- 5
Great Britain didn't play to their full potential going out in the group stages in Beijing, but they have the ability to challenge for a medal on home turf. Brazil are the defending champions.
The Paralympic Games hall of fame
- Who has claimed the Paralympic crown?
- 2008: BRA
- 2004: BRA
