Minifootball is a ''small-sided'' variation of football. It is mainly played in

5-a-side Five-a-side football is a version of minifootball, in which each team fields five players (four outfield players and a goalkeeper). Other differences from football include a smaller pitch, smaller goals, and a reduced game duration. Matches are ...

format, with additional types of 6-a-side, 7-a-side, 8-a-side, 9-a-side and indoor soccer, all played on

astro turf Astro may refer to: Entertainment and media * Astro (South Korean band), a South Korean boy band * Astro (UB40) (1957–2021), member of the British reggae band UB40 * Astro (Chilean band), a Chilean indie rock band * Astro (Japanese band), ...

, or

futsal Futsal is a football-based game played on a hard court smaller than a football pitch, and mainly indoors. It has similarities to five-a-side football and indoor football. Futsal is played between two teams of five players each, one of whom is ...

played indoors on a

hard court A hardcourt (or hard court) is a surface or floor on which a sport is played, most usually in reference to tennis courts. It is typically made of rigid materials such as asphalt or concrete, and covered with acrylic resins to seal the surface an ...

. The highest world authority of 5-a-side format is

World Minifootball Federation The World Minifootball Federation (WMF) is highest global authority for 6-a-side, with 5 a-side, 7 a-side, 8 a-side, and arena soccer disciplines version of minifootball (also called '' arena soccer''). WMF exists to promote, supervise and direc ...

, ''International Socca Federation'' of 6-a-side format, and several sub-continental bodies of 7-a-side format, including ''IFA7'' and FIF7. Over the years, the popularity of minifootball has increased globally. The term ''minifootball'' means small sided football open for both professional and recreational players. WMF organizes own World Cup every 2 years, as well as continental championships through established national federations. Using its feeds, WMF creates ways to increase the number of spectators in football stadiums and, together with activation of its membership base, increases value of football towards its partners.

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Further reading