Football is the most popular sport in the world and is enjoyed by millions of fans from across the globe regardless of age or race.
Persons with visual impairment also play football. However, the rules of the game are different.
In blind or partially-sighted football matches, according to the International Paralympic Committee, an official match takes 50 minutes, divided into two 25-minute halves.
A blind football team has five players, rather than 11, four blind on-field players and a sighted goalie.
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“The duration of the match is 50 minutes, divided into two 25-minute halves. Each team can request a one-minute time-out in each half. During the last two minutes of both halves, and in case of extra time, the timekeeper must stop the clock for a free-kick, kick-in, goal kick and corner kick,” a statement by the International Paralympic Committee reads.
The Committee adds that outfield players must be classified as completely blind, which means they have very low or no visual acuity and light perception. The goalkeepers are either sighted or partially sighted.
The ball contains loose ball bearings so that it rattles when it moves to enable players to find.
During the match, one coach stands behind the attacking goal, directing the forward players while another coach stands on the sidelines instructing the midfield players.
The goalkeepers help in organising the defenders as they are the only ones who are able to see what's happening on the pitch.
In the scenario of a penalty, the attacking coach taps both the vertical posts and crossbar to help the penalty taker know where to place their strike.
The game has no offside or throw-ins minimising interruption during the match with acoustic boards around the pitch also preventing the ball from going out of play.
During the match, all players are required to shout the word “voy” a Spanish word meaning ‘I go’ before attempting to tackle, in order to allow the attacking player to determine the position of the defensive players on the field.
The crowd is also encouraged to stay silent so as to ensure the players' communication during the match is not hampered.