This week, UEFA and the International Blind Sports Federation (IBSA) reaffirmed their historic collaboration, joining forces to continue promoting the development and visibility of blind football on an international level. Over the years, both organizations have worked hand in hand on various initiatives, aiming to make football a more inclusive and accessible sport for people with visual disabilities. This renewed commitment emphasizes the importance of empowering athletes with visual disabilities and ensuring that adapted football continues to grow both in Europe and around the world.
The collaboration between UEFA and IBSA focuses primarily on strengthening national federations and promoting para-football on a global scale. During recent meetings, new opportunities were discussed to expand the presence of blind football, not only at the European level but also worldwide, forging alliances with other international organizations. The highlight of these efforts will be the first World Paralympic Football Games, which will be held in Almaty, Kazakhstan, in March 2026, an event that is expected to be a milestone for the sport.
The first World Paralympic Football Games
The announcement of the first World Paralympic Football Games marks a significant step forward in the advancement of this sport. Holding this event in Kazakhstan, a key country in the development of blind football, highlights the commitment of UEFA and IBSA to expanding and consolidating the sport globally. The visit of UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin to Kazakhstan in April 2025 will further reinforce this commitment, as he meets with government leaders and national football federation heads to discuss new strategies of support for both general and Paralympic football.
This renewed cooperation between UEFA and IBSA is not an isolated effort. In 2018, both organizations had already worked on the “IBSA Blind Football Development Project in Europe,” which held training sessions in Kazakhstan to improve access and competitive structures for blind football players. Now, with the announcement of the first World Paralympic Football Games, a new door opens for blind football to grow and establish itself as a global sport, offering new opportunities for athletes worldwide.
