New European Amputee Football League Kicks Off in Romania

A new European soccer league for amputee players began this week in Bucharest, Romania, offering an international competition platform for athletes from countries lacking their own domestic leagues. The European Amputee Football Federation (EAFF) inaugurated the Conference League, with matches taking place on Thursday and Friday. Maccabi Haifa FC of Israel emerged as the tournament winner, defeating Scotland's Ayr United 4-0 in the final.

For Ben Binyamin, a player with Maccabi Haifa FC, the victory held significant personal meaning. Binyamin lost his right leg during the Hamas attack on the Tribe of Nova music festival in 2023 and had feared he would be unable to play soccer again. "Football itself for us is our physiotherapy, our life, and our second family. It helps us in life. It gives us strength," he told The Associated Press. "I am very happy that we won this tournament, we won without conceding a single goal."

The inaugural tournament featured four teams: FCSB from host nation Romania, Maccabi Haifa FC from Israel, Ayr United from Scotland, and Panathinaikos AC PwD from Greece. "We are very satisfied, very happy to bring pride to the country," Binyamin added.

The EAFF described the new league as a "historic milestone" and "another important step in the development of European amputee football," drawing inspiration from the able-bodied soccer club competition model. The Conference League is designed to create international opportunities for clubs in nations where domestic amputee football leagues are not yet established.

Amputee soccer is played in a seven-versus-seven format on smaller fields. Players typically use one leg and crutches, while goalkeepers have both legs but only one hand or arm. The EAFF, established in 2015, aims to expand access to amputee soccer across Europe. The sport's international governing body, the World Amputee Football Federation, was founded in 2002, and its World Cup is held every four years.

The Conference League also aims to attract more spectators to amputee soccer and foster international relationships among teams. The EAFF's existing initiatives include a Nations League, Champions League, Europa League, and various camps for women and juniors.

Iain Matthew, manager of the Scottish team, acknowledged that while the 0-4 loss to Maccabi Haifa was disappointing, the league provided valuable experience for his players. "The competition is great for smaller nations … to get European football experience," he said. "I think we could have played better, we could have defended better, but you’ve got to praise your players for what they’ve done over the week."