Futsal

The Irish FA are introducing the game of Futsal to Northern Ireland. 

In essence Futsal is a simple game that a recreational level can be played anywhere.  There are three core components that are specific to Futsal and are the three minimum criteria for establishing a game of Futsal.

1. Futsal pitch marking (permanent or temporary)

2. Futsal goals (3 metres x 2 metres)

3. Futsal balls (Reduced bounce - Size 4 for adults and Size 3 for children)

Futsal is a 5-a-side game, however, up to 14 players can be used in one match and there is no limit on how long a player must stay on or off the court.  In order to restart the game after a ball has gone out of play, the ball is kicked back into play from the touch line and from corners.  Goalkeepers are allowed to come out and players are allowed to go into the penalty area.  A goal clearance must be thrown out rather than kicked.

For kick-ins, free kicks, goal clearances and corner kicks the player in possession of the ball has four seconds to restart play.  If play is not restarted within this time, an indirect free kick will be awarded to the opposing team.  Goalkeepers are not allowed the control the ball for more than four seconds in their own half.

Players are required to keep five metre from the player in possession of the ball at free kicks, corners, goal clearances, kick-ins and penalties.  A Futsal match consists of two twenty minute halves that are played in real time, i.e. the clock stops whenever the ball goes out of play.

For further information on Futsal at the Irish FA please email: futsal@irishfa.com