Federation: FIFA
First Played: 1930, Montevideo, Uruguay
Team Members: 5 on the field, 7 substitutes
Equipment: Futsal Ball
Field: Indoor
Olympic Participation: Not included.
Description:
Futsal, also known as indoor soccer, is a sport that closely resembles traditional football but has its own distinct rules.
History:
The history of futsal (indoor football) dates back to 1930, in Montevideo, the capital of Uruguay. At that time, Juan Carlos Ceriani adapted a five-a-side version of football for young people at YMCA associations. Matches were played on indoor and outdoor fields the size of handball courts. The name "futsal" is an international term for this sport, derived from the Spanish or Portuguese words "futbol" or "futebol" and the French or Spanish words "salle" or "sala" meaning "room." Futsal is now developing globally under FIFA's umbrella. The first international matches were held in 1965, with Paraguay winning the South American Cup. Six more South American Cups were held by 1979, with Brazil winning all of them. Brazil further demonstrated its dominance in futsal by winning the first Pan American Cup in 1980, followed by another victory in 1984. In 1983, the U.S. Futsal Federation was established under the leadership of Osvaldo Garcia. The game, originally called "Minisoccer" (Mini Football), later became known as futsal. Before futsal came under FIFA’s governance in 1989, FIFUSA organized the first Futsal World Cup in 1982, in São Paulo, Brazil. Brazil won that tournament, as well as the second Futsal World Cup in 1985, held in Spain. Paraguay ended Brazil’s streak by winning the 1988 World Cup in Australia. From this point on, FIFA took control of the sport, with Brazil continuing its dominance by winning the 1989 and 1992 World Cups, held in the Netherlands and Hong Kong, respectively.
Field Dimensions:
The dimensions of the playing area are as follows: length must be a minimum of 26m and a maximum of 42m, width a minimum of 15m and a maximum of 25m. The area in front of the goal, which is equivalent to the penalty area in football, is composed of two quarter-circles with a 6-meter radius from the goalposts, joined by a 3.16-meter line. This line runs parallel to the goal line, 6 meters away. The penalty spot is 6 meters from the goal, while the second penalty spot is 10 meters away. Corner markings are quarter circles with a 25 cm diameter. The substitution areas, 5 meters in length, are directly in front of each team’s bench and are marked by 8 cm thick lines, extending 40 cm inside the field and 40 cm outside. Each team’s substitution area should be 5 meters away from the halfway line, allowing the timekeeper a clear view.
