The Laws of the Game provide the overall structure that governs professional football worldwide. These laws are maintained by the International Football Association Board (IFAB) and enforced by FIFA. They ensure fairness, safety and consistency in every match. It is important for players, officials and spectators to understand these principles.
Every official match requires strict adherence to guidelines regarding the infrastructure and participants. This includes the exact dimensions of the pitch, the pressure of the match ball and the mandatory equipment that players must wear. These laws ensure a standardised playing field. The referee has absolute authority to enforce these restrictions.
The game is strictly controlled by laws regarding time, scoring and positions on the pitch. The duration of matches is fixed and there are precise definitions of when the ball is in or out of play. The offside rule is important in preventing unfair advantages. Specified restarts such as penalties, free kicks and throw-ins regulate the flow of the game.
1. The playing field
Shall be rectangular and marked with continuous lines.
The length of the field shall be greater than the length of the goal line.
Standard international match length: 100-110 metres.
Standard international match width: 64-75 metres.
2. The ball
The ball shall be spherical and made of suitable material.
The circumference shall be between 68 cm and 70 cm.
The weight at the start of the match shall be between 410 g and 450 g.
The pressure at sea level shall be equivalent to 0.6-1.1 atmospheres.
3. Number of players
A match shall be played by two teams, each with a maximum of 11 players.
One player per team shall be designated as a goalkeeper.
A match may not start if a team has fewer than 7 players.
The maximum number of substitutions permitted in official competitions is 5.
4. Players’ equipment
Mandatory equipment:
Sleeveless shirt, shorts and socks.
Shin pads (must provide reasonable protection, must be covered by socks).
Shoes (boots/shoes).
Goalkeepers must wear colours that distinguish them from other players and officials.
5. Referee
Has full authority to enforce the Laws of the Game for the match.
Decisions regarding play-related matters are final.
Has the authority to caution (yellow card) or send off (red card) players.
A match may be stopped, suspended or abandoned due to external interference or weather conditions.
6. Duration of the match
A match lasts two equal halves of 45 minutes each.
Players are entitled to a first half break of no more than 15 minutes.
The referee allows for time lost (injury/stoppage time) in each half.
A match that has been abandoned is replayed unless otherwise stated in the competition rules.
7. Ball in and out of the field of play
Out of the field of play
- It has completely crossed the goal line or touchline (on the ground or in the air)
- The referee has stopped play.
Ball in play
- It has come back from the referee, goal post, goal cross or corner flag post and is in the field of play.
- It has touched the referee but remains in the field of play and possession of the ball has not changed.
8. Determining the result of the match
Goal scoring
- The ball has completely crossed the goal line between the goal posts and under the goal cross.
Winning Team
- The team that scores the most goals in a match is the winner.
Draw
- The match is a draw if both teams score the same number of goals or if no goals are scored.
9. Offside
- Being in an offside position is not an offence.
- A player is in an offside position if he is closer to the ball and the opponent's goal line than the second-last opponent.
- A player is in an offside position if he is in their own half of the field of play.
Active Play Offense: A player is only penalized if he interferes with play or an opponent.
10. Penalties and Misconduct
Direct Free Kick Offenses
- Kicking, tripping or jumping at an opponent.
- Pushing, tripping or pushing an opponent.
- Deliberately handling the ball (except for goalkeepers inside their own box).
Indirect Free Kick Offenses
- Playing in a dangerous manner.
- Impeding the progress of an opponent without contact.
- The goalkeeper holding the ball for more than 6 seconds.
Disciplinary Penalties
- Caution: Yellow card for unsporting behaviour or delaying the restart.
- Sending off: Red card for serious misconduct or violent conduct.
- Red card for receiving two yellow cards in the same match.
11. Penalty Kick
- Awarded when a player commits a direct free kick within their penalty area.
- The ball must be stationary on the penalty mark.
- The goalkeeper must remain on the goal line until the ball is kicked.
- All players except the kicker and the goalkeeper must remain outside the penalty area.
12. Restarting Play
Method of Restarting
- Throw-in: When the ball has completely crossed the touch line. The ball must be kicked with both hands behind the head, facing towards the goal.
- Goal Kick: When the ball last touched by the attacking team has completely crossed the goal line. The kick must be taken by the defending team from anywhere in the goal area.
- Corner Kick: When the ball has completely crossed the touch line, the ball last touched by the defending team. It must be taken inside the corner kick. Opposing teams must be 9.15 metres away.
