Kuala lumpur: Former Manchester United star Ryan Giggs believes the traditional 11-a-side format will continue to be the cornerstone of global football, despite the growing popularity of small-sided formats such as 7-a-side. Speaking at a Liga 7×7 All Stars 2025 tournament event held at the Kuala Lumpur Football Stadium, Cheras, here, the Welshman said even though the shorter format offers entertainment and engagement, particularly among younger audiences, it cannot replace the full version of the game.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Giggs emphasized that while smaller formats like 7-a-side introduce quicker games, rolling substitutions, more goals, and more excitement, they will never supplant the 11-a-side version. He described the traditional format as the “bread and butter” of every league and international tournament worldwide. Giggs shared these views during a pre-match press conference.
Meanwhile, former Chelsea and England captain John Terry echoed Giggs’ sentiments, highlighting the excitement and digital appeal of the 7-a-side format, particularly when coupled with social media personalities and content creators. Terry remarked on the significant following that these types of games and events have amassed over the past decade.
On a different note, Manchester United forward Dimitar Berbatov pointed out the advantages of small-sided football in developing technical abilities due to its tight spaces. He shared that this type of football has long been popular in his home country, Bulgaria, and remains a personal favorite.
For the day’s tournament, Giggs will lead Team Wizards, Terry will captain Team Bangsa Bola, Berbatov will spearhead Team Zurich, and former national striker Safee Sali will lead Team Harimau. The one-day tournament features four teams comprising retired professionals, notable figures like former Youth and Sports Minister Khairy Jamaluddin, Capital A Bhd CEO Tan Sri Tony Fernandes, ASEAN-BAC Malaysia chair Tan Sri Nazir Razak, as well as local celebrities and influencers.
The tournament’s rules include 30-minute matches, with two 15-minute halves, no slide tackles, and rolling substitutions that allow players to enter and exit the game at any time, with no limits on the number of substitutions.