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Amman – October 2025 The first-ever Dwarf Football Championship was held in the Jordanian capital of Amman. Organized by the West Asian Football Federation (WAFF) and Para Football, the tournament coincided with International Dwarfism Awareness Day on October 25. The tournament featured four national teams: Jordan, Iraq, Lebanon, and Syria, marking a significant milestone in promoting the principles of inclusion and diversity in international sports.
Tournament format
To ensure safety and accessibility, the competitions were held according to a modified version of futsal, with adaptations to the laws of the International Federation of Football Associations (FIFA). The modifications included adopting seven-a-side teams, banning headings and tackles, and allowing unlimited substitutions.
Implications
The Dwarf Football Championship was particularly special as it was the result of a joint collaboration between the Jordanian Paralympic Committee, the West Asian Football Federation Foundation – the social arm of WAFF –, and Para Football. This partnership highlights the importance of collaboration between various sports institutions to carry out meaningful social initiatives, as each entity has a unique role in this regard; Paralympic committees possess expertise in sports for people with disabilities; football federations provide legitimacy and global recognition; and non-governmental organizations offer specialized program support. Combining these capabilities contributes to building sustainable partnerships that lead to dynamic programs with tangible impacts on the sports community.
The tournament provided a unique opportunity for athletes with dwarfism to showcase their competitive skills on the international stage and promote more inclusive practices in the world of sports.
Outcomes
The Jordanian national team won the championship title after defeating their Iraqi counterparts in the final match. Although the victory was achieved on the field, the Dwarf Football Championship represented a broader triumph for inclusive sport in the Middle East. Most importantly, the tournament also involved efforts to further develop skills and infrastructure to support accessible sports; a specialized refereeing workshop was held during the tournament, emphasizing the commitment to training technical personnel and ensuring the long-term sustainability of the sport.
Conclusion
The Dwarf Football Championship demonstrated the critical role football plays in promoting the values of diversity, inclusion, and social responsibility. Through collaboration between various stakeholders and investment in developing sustainable programs, athletes of all abilities can be empowered to compete and succeed on the international stage.
