The International Blind Sports Federation (I.B.S.A.) has expressed delight at being awarded U.E.F.A.'s (Union of European Football Association) €650,000 ( Rupees 51,350000) charity cheque for 2006.

In a statement U.E.F.A. said, “Its support confirms the leading role of I.B.S.A. in developing football and other sports for blind and partially sighted people, as well as the federation's position as one of the most active players in sports for people with disabilities."

I.B.S.A. will gain sponsorship for a three-year project aimed at developing a series of coaching and refereeing seminars all over Europe. It also aims at providing countries with the equipment needed to develop the game at the national level. The fund is also meant for editing a series of teaching D.V.D.’s focusing on specific aspects of football for the blind.

I.B.S.A. president Michael Barredo said, "This is a great moment for football for blind in Europe and around the world. U.E.F.A.'s initiative will enable I.B.S.A. to further develop and promote blind Futsal in the continent where football was born. It sends an encouraging message to other continents and we are hopeful we can boost the sport globally with the support of other regional football organisations and offer visually-impaired footballers the chance to play the most popular game in the world."