The Influence of Indoor Football on Professional Football Players: Injury Risk, and Long-Term Career Implications

Futsal, a fast-paced variant of indoor football, is increasingly popular among Sri Lankan professional footballers due to its accessibility and skill-enhancing potential. However, many players engage in futsal casually during off-season or leisure time, often underestimating the associated injury risks. Despite its growing popularity, limited research has examined the impact of futsal on injury patterns and player health in South Asia. This study investigates the relationship between futsal participation and injury risk among professional footballers in Sri Lanka, examining injury types, severity, and training implications. A cross-sectional, mixed-methods study was conducted from February to May 2025 involving 300 male professional footballers (mean ± SD: age 25.3 ± 4.7 years) from National, Premier League, and Division I teams. Structured questionnaires captured futsal exposure, training volumes, and injuries sustained over the past year. Statistical analysis was conducted using PSPP software, with Fisher’s Exact Test used to assess significance. Futsal participation was reported by 54% of players, with 32.3% experiencing at least one indoor injury. A significant association was found between futsal involvement and injury occurrence (p = 0.0163). Most injuries affected the lower limbs, particularly the ankle, hip/groin, and knee, and were primarily due to overuse. Injuries peaked during weeks 3–4 of preseason. Many players engaged in futsal informally, lacking injury prevention awareness. While futsal offers technical benefits, it poses notable injury risks, especially when played casually. Structured conditioning, load management, and injury education are critical for minimizing risks and supporting long-term athlete well-being.