The International Blind Sports Federation (IBSA) and the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) have enjoyed a long-standing cooperation, working together on various initiatives to promote para-football and inclusion in sport.

The International Blind Sports Federation (IBSA) and the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) continue to deepen their collaboration to promote and develop para-football across Europe and globally. UEFA is committed to supporting all para-football federations, reinforcing its dedication to fostering inclusivity and accessibility in sports for all.

Image description: From left to right – Rufat Hajili (IBSA Executive Director), Aleksander Čeferin (UEFA President), and Kairat Boranbayev (President of the Kazakhstan National Paralympic Committee).

In a recent meeting, IBSA Executive Director Rufat Hajili and UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin discussed new opportunities for cooperation. UEFA reaffirmed its commitment to supporting IBSA’s initiatives, highlighting the importance of creating opportunities for blind and partially sighted athletes. Both organizations emphasized the need for joint efforts with other para-football federations and the Para Football Foundation to stimulate the growth and promotion of para-football worldwide.

One significant milestone in this partnership is the First Para Football World Games, planned to take place in March 2026 in Almaty, Kazakhstan. This event will provide a major international platform for the further development of para-football.

UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin visited Kazakhstan in April 2025, where he met with Kazakh Republic government leaders and national football federation heads and participated in events promoting football and para-football. IBSA Executive Director Rufat Hajili took part in the discussions, underscoring the importance of continuing the partnership between UEFA, IBSA, and other global organizations.

This collaboration builds on previous successful projects, such as the “IBSA Blind Football Development Project Europe,” where UEFA supported blind football training sessions in Kazakhstan in 2018.

IBSA and UEFA reaffirm their shared commitment to inclusivity, equal opportunities, and the sustainable development of para-football worldwide, aiming to create more opportunities for blind and partially sighted athletes and expand the reach of para-football on the international stage.