32PanelBall

32PanelBall is a team field sport played with a standardized 32-panel ball on a rectangular pitch. Two teams of seven players compete to score by getting the ball into the opponent’s goal. The name refers to the ball’s traditional 32-panel construction, common to many classic footballs. The sport was formalized in the early 2010s by the World Panelball Federation (WPF), which established core rules, equipment standards, and international competition formats.

Equipment and field: The ball is a 32-panel sphere, sized similarly to a standard football. The pitch measures roughly 60 by 40 meters, with goals 3 meters wide and 2 meters high. Gameplay emphasizes passing, ball control, and shooting, with players allowed to use any part of the body except hands, except for the goalkeeper within the goal area.

Rules and play: A match consists of two 25-minute halves with a 10-minute halftime. The ball is advanced by kicking, heading, or chest control; dribbling is permitted. Fouls and misconduct lead to free kicks, penalty kicks, or disciplinary sanctions as appropriate. There is no offside rule in most formats, encouraging rapid transitions and open play.

Competition and governance: The World Panelball Federation oversees the sport, maintaining the official rule book and recording international results. The World Panelball Championship is the premier tournament, contested by national teams on a rotating host basis. Regional circuits, including a Pan-European League and a Pan-American Cup, provide club and national competition levels.

Development and reception: Since its inception, 32PanelBall has grown across clubs and broadcasts, particularly in Europe and North America. Proponents cite its fast pace and moderate physical contact, while critics point to limited media exposure and depth of top-level competition. The sport continues to expand youth programs and coaching curricula.