UEFA and IBSA: A New Era for Para-Football Development

In an exciting development for para-football, the International Blind Sports Federation (IBSA) and the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) have announced a promising partnership aimed at enhancing the global landscape for blind football. During a recent meeting, UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin and IBSA Executive Director Rufat Hajili outlined their vision for the future, with a focus on inclusivity and providing more opportunities for blind and partially sighted athletes.

One of the cornerstone initiatives of this collaboration is the First Para Football World Games, which is set to take place in March 2026 in Almaty, Kazakhstan. This event is poised to serve as a major international platform, showcasing talent and promoting para-football on a global stage. It will not only highlight the skills of athletes but also aim to foster a greater understanding and support for para-sports worldwide.

In addition to the World Games, Uganda is set to host the 2025 IBSA Blind Football African Championship Division 2 in October. This historic championship marks Uganda’s debut in hosting an IBSA Blind Football event, representing a significant step towards expanding the sport's footprint across Africa. The tournament will allow emerging teams from the continent to compete, with the top two teams earning qualification for the 2027 IBSA Blind Football African Championship Division 1.

The IBSA Blind Football African Championship is expected to create a legacy project for the region, involving the development and accreditation of new Technical Officials and a Technical Delegate from Africa. This aligns with the vision of IBSA’s leadership to foster sport development in every region. As IBSA President Ilgar Rahimov noted, “This championship not only provides competitive opportunities but also crucial development pathways for teams in Africa.”

The partnership between UEFA and IBSA builds on previous successful projects such as the IBSA Blind Football Development Project Europe, which focused on enhancing training and resources for blind football across various regions. Both organizations remain committed to fostering inclusivity and ensuring sustainable growth in para-football. This collaboration emphasizes the importance of joint efforts with other federations and organizations to stimulate robust development and support for para-athletes.

As UEFA President Čeferin stated, “Our commitment to support IBSA’s initiatives reflects our belief that everyone should have the opportunity to play football, regardless of their abilities. We are excited about the future of para-football and the positive impact this partnership will have on athletes around the world.”

The upcoming events not only symbolize a growing recognition of para-football but also serve to inspire younger generations of athletes with disabilities. The collaborative efforts between UEFA and IBSA are set to pave the way for a more inclusive future in football, where every player can thrive in the sport they love.

As the countdown to the First Para Football World Games and the 2025 IBSA Blind Football African Championship Division 2 begins, the excitement among athletes and fans alike is palpable. These upcoming events represent a significant step forward in the journey towards inclusivity and equal opportunities within the sport.

In conclusion, the partnership between UEFA and IBSA is heralding a new era for para-football, with initiatives aimed at empowering athletes and highlighting the critical role that football can play in fostering community and inclusivity on a global scale. The world will undoubtedly be watching as these groundbreaking events unfold, marking a historic chapter in the development of para-football.

For more details on the developments surrounding these championships, you can visit IBSA's official announcements on the UEFA and IBSA partnership and the 2025 Blind Football African Championship.

Key Takeaways:

• First Para Football World Games in Kazakhstan, March 2026.
• Uganda to host 2025 IBSA Blind Football African Championship Division 2 in October.
• Focus on inclusivity and development of blind football globally through collaboration between UEFA and IBSA.