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A new European soccer league for amputee players kicked off in Romania’s capital
Maccabi Haifa beat Ayr United 4-0 as the EAFF launched a new competition for amputee players without domestic leagues.
On Friday, Maccabi Haifa FC of Israel won the inaugural EAFF Conference League in Bucharest, defeating Scotland's Ayr United 4-0 in the final.
The European Amputee Football Federation , established in 2015, launched this tournament to provide international competition for players from nations lacking domestic amputee soccer leagues.
For Maccabi Haifa player Ben Binyamin, injured during the 2023 Hamas attack, the sport serves as vital recovery. "Football itself for us is our physiotherapy," Binyamin said.
Despite the 0-4 loss, Ayr United manager Iain Matthew praised the league for offering valuable European football experience to his players, saying, "I think we could have played better."
The EAFF organizes Nations League and Champions League tournaments to increase spectator interest and build international relationships within the amputee soccer community, alongside women's and junior camps.