- October 18, 2025
- 11:36 am
- World News
On October 17, 2025, in Baku, the Ukrainian amputee football team began their performance in the EAFF Nations League 2025, losing to the Israeli team with a score of 0:2. The match took place at the ASCO Arena and was the debut for the Ukrainians in the current tournament.
The first minutes of the game showed an equal struggle, but by the middle of the first half, Israel took the initiative. In the 24th minute, Tsarfati scored, opening the score with a precise shot after a free-kick. Fourteen minutes later, Maman secured Israel’s advantage, taking advantage of a defensive error by Ukraine.
In the second half, the Ukrainians tried to seize the initiative and created several dangerous moments, but the reliable play of the Israeli goalkeeper and tight defense did not allow them to close the gap. The result — 0:2, and Israel topped the Group C table.
What is amputee football and the EAFF Nations League
Amputee football is a type of football for athletes who have lost limbs. Field players play without one leg and use crutches, while goalkeepers play without one arm. There are seven players on the field from each side at the same time, there is no offside, and the halves are shorter than in classic football.
EAFF — European Amputee Football Federation, unites more than 20 countries. Under its auspices, European Championships, Cups, and the EAFF Nations League are held, created by analogy with the UEFA Nations League.
The main goal is not only sports but also a social mission: to show that people with disabilities are capable of a professional level, inspiring others with their example.
EAFF Nations League 2025: structure and format
In 2025, the EAFF Nations League is divided into four divisions — A, B, C, and D — based on the level of team preparation.
| Division | Dates | Location | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| A | September 11–15, 2025 | Trabzon, Turkey | England, Turkey, Poland, Italy |
| B | September 25–29, 2025 | Avila, Spain | Spain, Ireland, France, Germany, Georgia |
| C | October 16–20, 2025 | Baku, Azerbaijan | Ukraine, Israel, Belgium, Netherlands, Azerbaijan |
| D | October 30 – November 3 | Bucharest, Romania | New and developing EAFF teams |
Each team plays in a round-robin system. The division winner moves up, and the worst team is relegated to a lower level.
Group C: battles in Baku
The Division C tournament takes place October 17–19, 2025 at ASCO Arena in Baku. Besides Ukraine and Israel, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Azerbaijan (as the host country) are participating.
The Israel vs. Ukraine match was the first on the schedule. Israel started confidently, and in another match, Azerbaijan defeated Belgium 3:0 thanks to a double by Farhad Eyubov and a precise shot by Sanan Khadzhiev.
The next games are scheduled for October 18–19, where it will be decided who will advance from the group with the maximum number of points. The division winner will earn the right to be promoted to Group B and a chance to play against Europe’s strongest teams.
History of amputee football and the EAFF Nations League
Amputee football as a sport appeared in the mid-20th century — initially as spontaneous matches of veterans who lost limbs. But by the 1980s, the game had gained an international format. In 1990, the World Amputee Football Federation (WAFF) was created, and soon the first World and European Championships were held.
Gradually, amputee football turned into a full-fledged competition system. In 1999, Kyiv hosted one of the first open European tournaments, featuring athletes from different countries. Since then, Ukraine has been considered one of the founding countries of the movement.
In 2015, a new organization was founded in Europe — EAFF (European Amputee Football Federation). It began to unite national federations, develop club leagues, and hold European Championships. The first official EAFF tournament took place in 2017 in Istanbul, already gathering teams from more than 10 countries.
Since 2019, the EAFF Champions League — a club Champions League for national champion teams — has been added to continental tournaments.
And since 2023, the EAFF Nations League has appeared, an analogue of the UEFA Nations League. This tournament filled the gaps between European and World Championships, giving teams the opportunity to play regularly, improve their ranking, and compete for promotion to a higher division.
In 2025, the EAFF Nations League is being held for the second time. Its divisions are spread across Europe — from Turkey to Azerbaijan, with more than twenty national teams participating.
Amputee football today is not just a sport. It is a symbol of overcoming and human strength. For many participants — former military personnel and civilians who lost limbs due to injuries and wars — stepping onto the field becomes proof that life goes on, and dignity is not measured by physical capabilities.
Israel and Ukraine: sport as overcoming
The Israeli amputee football team has been actively developing the movement in recent years: training takes place twice a week, the team participates in international tournaments, and collaborates with hospitals and organizations supporting people with amputations.
For Ukraine, participation in the 2025 tournament is more than just sports. After the difficult years of war, the team symbolizes resilience, recovery, and a return to the international arena.
And although the start was unsuccessful, Ukrainian amputee footballers gained valuable experience and support from fans, including representatives of the diaspora in Israel and Azerbaijan.
Where to follow the results
You can follow the matches on official platforms:
EAFF – European Amputee Football Federation: amputeefootball.eu
YouTube channel EAFF: EAFF Federation
Facebook. – https://www.facebook.com/EuroAMP
