What's the difference between futsal and five-a-side football?

Futsal	Five a side football
Five players on a court - rolling substitutions	Five players on a court - limited substitutions
Played to lines. Ball is returned to play with a "kick in".	No By or End lines – use of rebound boards. Ball constantly in play
Use of wider and longer pitch
All players allowed to enter penalty areas	Only Goalkeepers permitted to enter penalty areas
No height restriction on ball	Use of restriction on height of the ball
Use of Square Goals (3m x 2m) Use of Futsal ball (30 per cent reduced bounce)	Use of rectangular goals Use of Football – size 5 for adults
5 Foul Limit - No wall for Direct free Kick from ten metres after fifth Foul	Unlimited Fouls

 

The FA views Futsal as a high quality format of a small sided game which provides new benefits.

• Many Countries that we admire for the technical skills of their players use Futsal as an aspect of youth development. Ball retention, quick and skilful play, tactical awareness – all are promoted in Futsal

• Fairplay – The Laws of the game and an accumulated fouls rule discourages teams from being overly physical or disputing the decisions of the two referees.

• Exit routes – Futsal can offer some very exciting opportunities to its participants that are not available in traditional five a side. There is now a FA Futsal Cup, UEFA Futsal Cup and International representation in European and World Competitions available to talented teams and players.