How does futsal differ from outdoor football?

Question

Accepted Answer

The main differences under the FIFA Futsal Laws 2025-26: Futsal Players 5 a side, one a goalkeeper; a match can't start or continue with fewer than 3 Substitutions Unlimited, rolling, through the team's substitution zone Match time 2 x 20 minutes of playing time, plus one timeout per team per period Offside None Ball out over the touchline Kick-in, not a throw-in Ball out over the end line (last touched by attacker) Goal clearance thrown or released by the goalkeeper Restarts Most must be taken within four seconds Fouls Accumulated fouls: from the sixth in a period, a direct free kick with no wall, usually from the 10 m mark Penalty mark 6 m from the goal Sending-off Team plays short for two minutes (or until a goal in some cases), then a substitute may come on Ball Smaller, with a low bounce (62-64 cm, 400-440 g) Jewellery All jewellery banned, even if taped Futsal is recognised within SAFA: the South African Indoor Football Association (Futsal) is listed as an associate member in the SAFA Statutes.

	Futsal
Players	5 a side, one a goalkeeper; a match can't start or continue with fewer than 3
Substitutions	Unlimited, rolling, through the team's substitution zone
Match time	2 x 20 minutes of playing time, plus one timeout per team per period
Offside	None
Ball out over the touchline	Kick-in, not a throw-in
Ball out over the end line (last touched by attacker)	Goal clearance thrown or released by the goalkeeper
Restarts	Most must be taken within four seconds
Fouls	Accumulated fouls: from the sixth in a period, a direct free kick with no wall, usually from the 10 m mark
Penalty mark	6 m from the goal
Sending-off	Team plays short for two minutes (or until a goal in some cases), then a substitute may come on