Chinese squads play dirty in swamp soccer

Players taking part in an annual Swamp Soccer tournament in Beijing have worn protective goggles to shield their eyes from the mud.

Soccer players in Beijing got down and dirty on Saturday as they battled it out in an annual Swamp Soccer tournament.

Enthusiastic teams took to the mud-soaked pitch at the Yuetan Sports Stadium in hopes of winning the 5000 yuan (around $A975) in prize money and gifts.

Organisers of Swamp Soccer 2016 told epa that 32 squads have signed up to participate in the four-day tournament.

In each match, two opposing six-player teams, each including one female, take to the makeshift mud field for a 24-minute game.

Players taking part adorned themselves with protective goggles to shield their eyes from the mud, as they ducked and dived for the ball.

According to organisers, the friendly tournament was established five years ago in hopes of promoting fun through sport.