Buru (beach soccer)

Buru, also commonly known as beach soccer, is a variant of association football played on a beach or sand. The sport emphasizes skill, agility, and spectacular goals, often resulting in high-scoring matches. While sharing fundamental rules with association football, beach soccer features notable differences due to the playing surface and the smaller number of players per team.

Gameplay:

A beach soccer match typically consists of three 12-minute periods. Each team fields five players, including the goalkeeper, and unlimited substitutions are permitted. Bare feet are generally required, though exceptions may be made for medical reasons. The smaller pitch size and the uneven, unpredictable nature of the sand necessitate different techniques and strategies compared to traditional football. Aerial passes and bicycle kicks are common, and goals are frequently scored from long range. Unlike traditional football, there are no draws in beach soccer. If the score is tied at the end of regulation time, an additional three-minute overtime period is played. If the score remains tied, a penalty shootout determines the winner.

Governance and Popularity:

Beach soccer is governed internationally by FIFA (Fédération Internationale de Football Association). FIFA sanctions major international tournaments, including the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup, a biennial competition featuring national teams from around the globe. The sport has experienced growing popularity, particularly in South America, Europe, and parts of Asia and Africa. National and club leagues exist in various countries, contributing to the professionalization and development of the sport.