Reigning Paralympic champions Brazil will be hoping to retain their title in front of their home crowd next year ©Getty Images

The International Blind Sports Federation (IBSA) have revealed how the remaining berths for the five-a-side football competition at next year’s Rio 2016 Paralympic Games will be awarded.

Their decision corresponds with the International Paralympic Committee’s (IPC) qualification criteria for the tournament and takes into account the final standings at the IBSA Blind Football World Championships, held in Japan last November.

South American countries Brazil and Argentina reached the final and, although Brazil eventually emerged as 1-0 winners, both teams had already been assured of spots in the eight-team competition in Rio de Janeiro.

The two teams would have also claimed a place at the Paralympics having also met in the final of the Toronto 2015 Parapan American Games five-a-side football event earlier this month, where Brazil earned a 2-1 victory, 

Instead the Rio 2016 berth was awarded to Mexico, who secured bronze in Toronto when they overcame Colombia on penalties.

The two sides could not be separated at the end of the match with the score at 1-1.

Argentina have already assured themselves of a place in next year's Paralympic five-a-side football tournament
Argentina have already assured themselves of a place in next year's Paralympic five-a-side football tournament ©AFP/Getty Images

The Americas contingent are set to be joined by the top two teams at the IBSA Blind Football European Championships, which are due to be held in the English town of Hereford from August 22 to 29.

Just days later, Rio 2016 will be on the agenda again as the sixth edition of the IBSA Asian Football Championships are due to kick off in Tokyo on August 30.

The Japanese capital city, due to host the Paralympics in 2020, will stage the final on September 8 with the two competing countries assured of advancing to next year's Paralympics in Rio.

The full line-up of teams is then due to be confirmed at the conclusion of the IBSA African Football Championships in Douala, Cameroon on October 25.

Only the winners of the competition, which begins on October 16, will advance to Rio 2016.



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