Dwarf Football Championship in Jordan
WAFF Foundation and Para Football unite to deliver historic Dwarf Football Championship in Jordan
AMMAN, September 02, 2025 — Para Football and the West Asia Football Federation (WAFF) Foundation have announced the launch of the WAFF Dwarf Football Championship – Jordan 2025, a landmark tournament designed to drive the development and growth of football for persons with dwarfism across the region.
The championship will be held in Amman, Jordan from 24–27 October 2025, coinciding with International Dwarfism Awareness Day.
Royal Patronage and National Leadership
The tournament will be held under the patronage of HRH Prince Ali Bin Al Hussein, Chair of the WAFF Foundation and President of the West Asia Football Federation. The event will be hosted by the Jordan Paralympic Committee in collaboration with the WAFF Foundation, the social responsibility arm of WAFF, and Para Football.
This will be the first-ever Dwarf Football Championship in Jordan, reinforcing the nation’s pioneering role in hosting inclusive sporting events that promote equality, accessibility, and empowerment through football.
Competition Format & Participants
National teams from across West Asia will gather in Amman to compete in an adapted futsal format, with matches played under modified FIFA rules to ensure safety, inclusion, and a stepping stone to further international competition. Adjustments include seven-a-side teams, unlimited substitutions, and restrictions on heading and sliding tackles.
The inaugural edition will feature confirmed teams from Jordan, Syria, and Iraq, with discussions ongoing to welcome additional nations. This reflects the growing appetite and momentum for football for players with dwarfism across the region.
Beyond Competition: Capacity Building
Alongside the championship, a specialised refereeing workshop for dwarf football will also be delivered. This initiative highlights a strategic focus on training technical staff and building infrastructure to support the long-term development of the sport.
Strategic and Humanitarian Impact
The WAFF Dwarf Football Championship represents a milestone for Para Football in West Asia:
- For athletes: it creates a competitive platform at regional level, empowering persons with dwarfism to showcase their skills on the international stage.
- For federations: it highlights the value of collaboration between football bodies, Paralympic committees, and NGOs in building sustainable pathways.
- For society: it underscores how football can be a powerful driver of inclusion, participation, and social responsibility.
Sam Turner of Para Football said:
“We are delighted to build on our collaboration with the WAFF Foundation. The WAFF Dwarf Football Championship in Jordan will be a historic event and a vital step towards creating opportunities for players with dwarfism across West Asia and beyond.”
Jordan’s Leading Role
Hosting this championship reflects Jordan’s humanitarian message and leadership in inclusive sport, showcasing the country’s commitment to justice, equality, and the empowerment of youth with disabilities.
Under the guidance of HRH Prince Ali, the WAFF Foundation continues to pioneer socially impactful sporting initiatives that align with international development frameworks, including the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
