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Sports

Mini Football

Minifootball is a compact version of traditional soccer, played with five players on each team on a smaller field. In the UAE, it has gained popularity as a dynamic and accessible sport, fostering quick decision-making, teamwork, and fitness. The country hosts minifootball leagues and events, providing a platform for players of all ages to engage in competitive and enjoyable matches.

Mini Football

How to Play

Mini football is a fast-paced variation of traditional soccer, typically played on a smaller field with only five players per team. Here’s how the game is usually played:

  1. Team Formation: Each team has five players, including a goalkeeper. Substitutions are unlimited, allowing for quick player rotations.

  2. Field and Duration: The game is played on a smaller, enclosed field, usually with artificial turf, and matches typically last 20 to 30 minutes per half.

  3. Starting the Game: The match begins with a kick-off from the center of the field, with the opposing team positioned outside the center circle.

  4. Gameplay: Players aim to score goals by passing, dribbling, and shooting, while maintaining ball control in the tighter space. Physical contact is reduced, and sliding tackles are often prohibited.

  5. Scoring: Goals are scored when the ball fully crosses the opponent’s goal line. Unlike traditional football, there is no offside rule, allowing for more offensive play.

  6. Winning the Game: The team with the most goals at the end of the match wins. In case of a tie, extra time or penalty shootouts may be used to determine the winner, depending on the tournament rules.