Field Surface
Matches may be played on natural or artifi cial surfaces, according to
the rules of the competition.
The colour of artifi cial surfaces must be green.
Where artifi cial surfaces are used in either competition matches
between representative teams of member associations affi liated to
FIFA or international club competition matches, the surface must meet
the requirements of the FIFA Quality Concept for Artifi cial Turf or
the International Artifi cial Turf Standard, unless special dispensation
is given by FIFA.
Field Markings
The field of play must be rectangular and marked with lines. These
lines belong to the areas of which they are boundaries.
The two longer boundary lines are called touch lines. The two shorter
lines are called goal lines.
The fi eld of play is divided into two halves by a halfway line, which
joins the midpoints of the two touch lines.
The centre mark is indicated at the midpoint of the halfway line.
A circle with a radius of 9.15 m (10 yds) is marked around it.
Marks may be made off the fi eld of play, 9.15 m (10 yds) from the
corner arc and at right angles to the goal lines and the touch lines, to
ensure that defending players retreat this distance when a corner kick
is being taken.
Goals
A goal must be placed on the centre of each goal line.
A goal consists of two upright posts equidistant from the corner
fl agposts and joined at the top by a horizontal crossbar. The goalposts
and crossbar must be made of wood, metal or other approved
material. They may be square, rectangular, round or elliptical in shape
and must not be dangerous to players.
The distance between the posts is 7.32 m (8 yds) and the distance
from the lower edge of the crossbar to the ground is 2.44 m (8 ft).
Both goalposts and the crossbar have the same width and depth,
which do not exceed 12 cm (5 ins). The goal lines must be of the same
width as the goalposts and the crossbar. Nets may be attached to the
goals and the ground behind the goal, provided that they are properly
supported and do not interfere with the goalkeeper.
The goalposts and crossbars must be white.
Safety
Goals must be anchored securely to the ground. Portable goals may
only be used if they satisfy this requirement.
7.32 m (8 yds)
2.44 m
13
Qualities and Measurements
The ball is:
• spherical
• made of leather or other suitable material
• of a circumference of not more than 70 cm (28 ins) and not less
than 68 cm (27 ins)
• not more than 450 g (16 oz) and not less than 410 g
(14 oz) in weight at the start of the match
• of a pressure equal to 0.6 – 1.1 atmosphere (600 – 1,100 g/cm2)
at sea level (8.5 lbs/sq in – 15.6 lbs/sq in)
Replacement of a Defective Ball
If the ball bursts or becomes defective during the course of a match:
• the match is stopped
• the match is restarted by dropping the replacement ball at the
place where the original ball became defective, unless play was
stopped inside the goal area, in which case the referee drops the
replacement ball on the goal area line parallel to the goal line at
the point nearest to where the original ball was located when play
was stopped
If the ball bursts or becomes defective whilst not in play at a kick-off,
goal kick, corner kick, free kick, penalty kick or throw-in:
• the match is restarted accordingly
The ball may not be changed during the match without the authority
of the referee.
Decisions of the International F.A. Board
Decision 1
In addition to the requirements of Law 2, acceptance of a ball for
use in matches played in an offi cial competition organised under the
auspices of FIFA or the confederations is conditional upon the ball
bearing one of the following:
• the offi cial “FIFA APPROVED” logo
• the offi cial “FIFA INSPECTED” logo
• the “INTERNATIONAL MATCHBALL STANDARD” logo
Such a logo on a ball indicates that it has been tested offi cially and
found to be in compliance with specifi c technical requirements,
different for each logo and additional to the minimum specifi cations
stipulated in Law 2. The list of the additional requirements specifi c to
each of the respective logos must be approved by the International
F.A. Board. The institutes conducting the tests are subject to the
approval of FIFA.
Member association competitions may also require the use of balls
bearing any one of these three logos.
Decision 2
In matches played in an offi cial competition organised under the
auspices of FIFA, the confederations or the member associations,
no form of commercial advertising on the ball is permitted, except
for the emblem of the competition, the competition organiser and
the authorised trademark of the manufacturer. The competition
regulations may restrict the size and number of such markings.
Players
A match is played by two teams, each consisting of not more than
eleven players, one of whom is the goalkeeper. A match may not start
if either team consists of fewer than seven players.
Offi cial Competitions
Up to a maximum of three substitutes may be used in any match
played in an offi cial competition organised under the auspices of FIFA,
the confederations or the member associations.
The rules of the competition must state how many substitutes may be
nominated, from three up to a maximum of seven.
Other Matches
In national A team matches, up to a maximum of six substitutes may
be used.
In all other matches, a greater number of substitutes may be used
provided that:
• the teams concerned reach agreement on a maximum number
• the referee is informed before the match
If the referee is not informed, or if no agreement is reached before the
match, no more than six substitutes are allowed.
All Matches
In all matches, the names of the substitutes must be given to the
referee prior to the start of the match. Any substitute whose name is
not given to the referee at this time may not take part in the match.
Substitution Procedure
To replace a player with a substitute, the following conditions must be
observed:
• the referee must be informed before any proposed substitution is
made
• the substitute only enters the fi eld of play after the player being
replaced has left and after receiving a signal from the referee
• the substitute only enters the fi eld of play at the halfway line and
during a stoppage in the match
• the substitution is completed when a substitute enters the fi eld of
play
• from that moment, the substitute becomes a player and the player
he has replaced becomes a substituted player
• the substituted player takes no further part in the match
• all substitutes are subject to the authority and jurisdiction
Changing the Goalkeeper
Any of the other players may change places with the goalkeeper,
provided that:
• the referee is informed before the change is made
• the change is made during a stoppage in the match
Infringements and Sanctions
If a substitute or substitituted player enters the fi eld of play without
the referee’s permission:
• the referee stops play (although not immediately if the substitute
or substituted player does not interfere with play)
• the referee cautions him for unsporting behaviour and orders him
to leave the fi eld of play
• if the referee has stopped play, it is restarted with an indirect free
kick for the opposing team from the position of the ball at the time
of the stoppage (see Law 13 – Position of Free Kick)
If a player changes places with the goalkeeper without the referee’s
permission before the change is made:
• the referee allows play to continue
• the referee cautions the players concerned when the ball is next
out of play
In the event of any other infringements of this Law:
• the players concerned are cautioned
• the match is restarted with an indirect free kick, to be taken by a
player of the opposing team from the position of the ball at the
time of the stoppage (see Law 13 – Position of Free Kick)
Players and Substitutes Sent Off
A player who has been sent off before the kick-off may be replaced
only by one of the named substitutes.
A named substitute who has been sent off, either before the kick-off
or after play has started, may not be replaced.
LAW 4 – THE PLAYERS’ EQUIPMENT
Safety
A player must not use equipment or wear anything that is dangerous
to himself or another player (including any kind of jewellery).
Basic Equipment
The basic compulsory equipment of a player comprises the following
separate items:
• a jersey or shirt with sleeves – if undergarments are worn, the
colour of the sleeve must be the same main colour as the sleeve
of the jersey or shirt.
• shorts – if undershorts are worn, they must be of the same main
colour as the shorts
• stockings
• shinguards
• footwear
Shinguards
• are covered entirely by the stockings
• are made of rubber, plastic or a similar suitable material
• provide a reasonable degree of protection
Colours
• The two teams must wear colours that distinguish them from each
other and also the referee and the assistant referees
• Each goalkeeper must wear colours that distinguish him from the
other players, the referee and the assistant referees
Infringements and Sanctions
In the event of any infringement of this Law:
• play need not be stopped
• the player at fault is instructed by the referee to leave the fi eld of
play to correct his equipment
• the player leaves the fi eld of play when the ball next ceases to be
in play, unless he has already corrected his equipment
• any player required to leave the fi eld of play to correct his equipment
must not re-enter without the referee’s permission
• the referee checks that the player’s equipment is correct before
allowing him to re-enter the fi eld of play
• the player is only allowed to re-enter the fi eld of play when the
ball is out of play
A player who has been required to leave the fi eld of play because of an
infringement of this Law and who re-enters the fi eld of play without
the referee’s permission must be cautioned.
Restart of Play
If play is stopped by the referee to administer a caution:
• the match is restarted by an indirect free kick taken by a player
of the opposing team, from the place where the ball was located
when the referee stopped the match (see Law 13 – Position of Free
Kick)
LAW 4 – THE PLAYERS’ EQUIPMENT
Decisions of the International F.A. Board
Decision 1
Players must not reveal undergarments showing slogans or advertising.
The basic compulsory equipment must not have any political, religious
or personal statements.
A player removing his jersey or shirt to reveal slogans or advertising
will be sanctioned by the competition organiser. The team of a player
whose basic compulsory equipment has political, religious or personal
slogans or statements will be sanctioned by the competition organiser
or by FIFA.
The Authority of the Referee
Each match is controlled by a referee who has full authority to enforce
the Laws of the Game in connection with the match to which he has
been appointed.
Powers and Duties
The Referee:
• enforces the Laws of the Game
• controls the match in cooperation with the assistant referees and,
where applicable, with the fourth offi cial
• ensures that any ball used meets the requirements of Law 2
• ensures that the players’ equipment meets the requirements of
Law 4
• acts as timekeeper and keeps a record of the match
• stops, suspends or abandons the match, at his discretion, for any
infringements of the Laws
• stops, suspends or abandons the match because of outside
interference of any kind
• stops the match if, in his opinion, a player is seriously injured and
ensures that he is removed from the fi eld of play. An injured player
may only return to the fi eld of play after the match has restarted
• allows play to continue until the ball is out of play if a player is, in
his opinion, only slightly injured
• ensures that any player bleeding from a wound leaves the fi eld
of play. The player may only return on receiving a signal from the
referee, who must be satisfi ed that the bleeding has stopped
• allows play to continue when the team against which an offence
has been committed will benefi t from such an advantage and
penalises the original offence if the anticipated advantage does
not ensue at that time
• punishes the more serious offence when a player commits more
than one offence at the same time
• takes disciplinary action against players guilty of cautionable
and sending-off offences. He is not obliged to take this action
immediately but must do so when the ball next goes out of play
LAW 5 – THE REFEREE
• takes action against team offi cials who fail to conduct themselves
in a responsible manner and may, at his discretion, expel them
from the fi eld of play and its immediate surrounds
• acts on the advice of the assistant referees regarding incidents that
he has not seen
• ensures that no unauthorised persons enter the fi eld of play
• indicates the restart of the match after it has been stopped
• provides the appropriate authorities with a match report, which
includes information on any disciplinary action taken against players
and/or team offi cials and any other incidents that occurred before,
during or after the match
Decisions of the Referee
The decisions of the referee regarding facts connected with play,
including whether or not a goal is scored and the result of the match,
are fi nal.
The referee may only change a decision on realising that it is incorrect
or, at his discretion, on the advice of an assistant referee or the fourth
offi cial, provided that he has not restarted play or terminated the
match.
All of them put togethor are here
Matches may be played on natural or artifi cial surfaces, according to
the rules of the competition.
The colour of artifi cial surfaces must be green.
Where artifi cial surfaces are used in either competition matches
between representative teams of member associations affi liated to
FIFA or international club competition matches, the surface must meet
the requirements of the FIFA Quality Concept for Artifi cial Turf or
the International Artifi cial Turf Standard, unless special dispensation
is given by FIFA.
Field Markings
The field of play must be rectangular and marked with lines. These
lines belong to the areas of which they are boundaries.
The two longer boundary lines are called touch lines. The two shorter
lines are called goal lines.
The fi eld of play is divided into two halves by a halfway line, which
joins the midpoints of the two touch lines.
The centre mark is indicated at the midpoint of the halfway line.
A circle with a radius of 9.15 m (10 yds) is marked around it.
Marks may be made off the fi eld of play, 9.15 m (10 yds) from the
corner arc and at right angles to the goal lines and the touch lines, to
ensure that defending players retreat this distance when a corner kick
is being taken.
Goals
A goal must be placed on the centre of each goal line.
A goal consists of two upright posts equidistant from the corner
fl agposts and joined at the top by a horizontal crossbar. The goalposts
and crossbar must be made of wood, metal or other approved
material. They may be square, rectangular, round or elliptical in shape
and must not be dangerous to players.
The distance between the posts is 7.32 m (8 yds) and the distance
from the lower edge of the crossbar to the ground is 2.44 m (8 ft).
Both goalposts and the crossbar have the same width and depth,
which do not exceed 12 cm (5 ins). The goal lines must be of the same
width as the goalposts and the crossbar. Nets may be attached to the
goals and the ground behind the goal, provided that they are properly
supported and do not interfere with the goalkeeper.
The goalposts and crossbars must be white.
Safety
Goals must be anchored securely to the ground. Portable goals may
only be used if they satisfy this requirement.
7.32 m (8 yds)
2.44 m
13
Qualities and Measurements
The ball is:
• spherical
• made of leather or other suitable material
• of a circumference of not more than 70 cm (28 ins) and not less
than 68 cm (27 ins)
• not more than 450 g (16 oz) and not less than 410 g
(14 oz) in weight at the start of the match
• of a pressure equal to 0.6 – 1.1 atmosphere (600 – 1,100 g/cm2)
at sea level (8.5 lbs/sq in – 15.6 lbs/sq in)
Replacement of a Defective Ball
If the ball bursts or becomes defective during the course of a match:
• the match is stopped
• the match is restarted by dropping the replacement ball at the
place where the original ball became defective, unless play was
stopped inside the goal area, in which case the referee drops the
replacement ball on the goal area line parallel to the goal line at
the point nearest to where the original ball was located when play
was stopped
If the ball bursts or becomes defective whilst not in play at a kick-off,
goal kick, corner kick, free kick, penalty kick or throw-in:
• the match is restarted accordingly
The ball may not be changed during the match without the authority
of the referee.
Decisions of the International F.A. Board
Decision 1
In addition to the requirements of Law 2, acceptance of a ball for
use in matches played in an offi cial competition organised under the
auspices of FIFA or the confederations is conditional upon the ball
bearing one of the following:
• the offi cial “FIFA APPROVED” logo
• the offi cial “FIFA INSPECTED” logo
• the “INTERNATIONAL MATCHBALL STANDARD” logo
Such a logo on a ball indicates that it has been tested offi cially and
found to be in compliance with specifi c technical requirements,
different for each logo and additional to the minimum specifi cations
stipulated in Law 2. The list of the additional requirements specifi c to
each of the respective logos must be approved by the International
F.A. Board. The institutes conducting the tests are subject to the
approval of FIFA.
Member association competitions may also require the use of balls
bearing any one of these three logos.
Decision 2
In matches played in an offi cial competition organised under the
auspices of FIFA, the confederations or the member associations,
no form of commercial advertising on the ball is permitted, except
for the emblem of the competition, the competition organiser and
the authorised trademark of the manufacturer. The competition
regulations may restrict the size and number of such markings.
Players
A match is played by two teams, each consisting of not more than
eleven players, one of whom is the goalkeeper. A match may not start
if either team consists of fewer than seven players.
Offi cial Competitions
Up to a maximum of three substitutes may be used in any match
played in an offi cial competition organised under the auspices of FIFA,
the confederations or the member associations.
The rules of the competition must state how many substitutes may be
nominated, from three up to a maximum of seven.
Other Matches
In national A team matches, up to a maximum of six substitutes may
be used.
In all other matches, a greater number of substitutes may be used
provided that:
• the teams concerned reach agreement on a maximum number
• the referee is informed before the match
If the referee is not informed, or if no agreement is reached before the
match, no more than six substitutes are allowed.
All Matches
In all matches, the names of the substitutes must be given to the
referee prior to the start of the match. Any substitute whose name is
not given to the referee at this time may not take part in the match.
Substitution Procedure
To replace a player with a substitute, the following conditions must be
observed:
• the referee must be informed before any proposed substitution is
made
• the substitute only enters the fi eld of play after the player being
replaced has left and after receiving a signal from the referee
• the substitute only enters the fi eld of play at the halfway line and
during a stoppage in the match
• the substitution is completed when a substitute enters the fi eld of
play
• from that moment, the substitute becomes a player and the player
he has replaced becomes a substituted player
• the substituted player takes no further part in the match
• all substitutes are subject to the authority and jurisdiction
Changing the Goalkeeper
Any of the other players may change places with the goalkeeper,
provided that:
• the referee is informed before the change is made
• the change is made during a stoppage in the match
Infringements and Sanctions
If a substitute or substitituted player enters the fi eld of play without
the referee’s permission:
• the referee stops play (although not immediately if the substitute
or substituted player does not interfere with play)
• the referee cautions him for unsporting behaviour and orders him
to leave the fi eld of play
• if the referee has stopped play, it is restarted with an indirect free
kick for the opposing team from the position of the ball at the time
of the stoppage (see Law 13 – Position of Free Kick)
If a player changes places with the goalkeeper without the referee’s
permission before the change is made:
• the referee allows play to continue
• the referee cautions the players concerned when the ball is next
out of play
In the event of any other infringements of this Law:
• the players concerned are cautioned
• the match is restarted with an indirect free kick, to be taken by a
player of the opposing team from the position of the ball at the
time of the stoppage (see Law 13 – Position of Free Kick)
Players and Substitutes Sent Off
A player who has been sent off before the kick-off may be replaced
only by one of the named substitutes.
A named substitute who has been sent off, either before the kick-off
or after play has started, may not be replaced.
LAW 4 – THE PLAYERS’ EQUIPMENT
Safety
A player must not use equipment or wear anything that is dangerous
to himself or another player (including any kind of jewellery).
Basic Equipment
The basic compulsory equipment of a player comprises the following
separate items:
• a jersey or shirt with sleeves – if undergarments are worn, the
colour of the sleeve must be the same main colour as the sleeve
of the jersey or shirt.
• shorts – if undershorts are worn, they must be of the same main
colour as the shorts
• stockings
• shinguards
• footwear
Shinguards
• are covered entirely by the stockings
• are made of rubber, plastic or a similar suitable material
• provide a reasonable degree of protection
Colours
• The two teams must wear colours that distinguish them from each
other and also the referee and the assistant referees
• Each goalkeeper must wear colours that distinguish him from the
other players, the referee and the assistant referees
Infringements and Sanctions
In the event of any infringement of this Law:
• play need not be stopped
• the player at fault is instructed by the referee to leave the fi eld of
play to correct his equipment
• the player leaves the fi eld of play when the ball next ceases to be
in play, unless he has already corrected his equipment
• any player required to leave the fi eld of play to correct his equipment
must not re-enter without the referee’s permission
• the referee checks that the player’s equipment is correct before
allowing him to re-enter the fi eld of play
• the player is only allowed to re-enter the fi eld of play when the
ball is out of play
A player who has been required to leave the fi eld of play because of an
infringement of this Law and who re-enters the fi eld of play without
the referee’s permission must be cautioned.
Restart of Play
If play is stopped by the referee to administer a caution:
• the match is restarted by an indirect free kick taken by a player
of the opposing team, from the place where the ball was located
when the referee stopped the match (see Law 13 – Position of Free
Kick)
LAW 4 – THE PLAYERS’ EQUIPMENT
Decisions of the International F.A. Board
Decision 1
Players must not reveal undergarments showing slogans or advertising.
The basic compulsory equipment must not have any political, religious
or personal statements.
A player removing his jersey or shirt to reveal slogans or advertising
will be sanctioned by the competition organiser. The team of a player
whose basic compulsory equipment has political, religious or personal
slogans or statements will be sanctioned by the competition organiser
or by FIFA.
The Authority of the Referee
Each match is controlled by a referee who has full authority to enforce
the Laws of the Game in connection with the match to which he has
been appointed.
Powers and Duties
The Referee:
• enforces the Laws of the Game
• controls the match in cooperation with the assistant referees and,
where applicable, with the fourth offi cial
• ensures that any ball used meets the requirements of Law 2
• ensures that the players’ equipment meets the requirements of
Law 4
• acts as timekeeper and keeps a record of the match
• stops, suspends or abandons the match, at his discretion, for any
infringements of the Laws
• stops, suspends or abandons the match because of outside
interference of any kind
• stops the match if, in his opinion, a player is seriously injured and
ensures that he is removed from the fi eld of play. An injured player
may only return to the fi eld of play after the match has restarted
• allows play to continue until the ball is out of play if a player is, in
his opinion, only slightly injured
• ensures that any player bleeding from a wound leaves the fi eld
of play. The player may only return on receiving a signal from the
referee, who must be satisfi ed that the bleeding has stopped
• allows play to continue when the team against which an offence
has been committed will benefi t from such an advantage and
penalises the original offence if the anticipated advantage does
not ensue at that time
• punishes the more serious offence when a player commits more
than one offence at the same time
• takes disciplinary action against players guilty of cautionable
and sending-off offences. He is not obliged to take this action
immediately but must do so when the ball next goes out of play
LAW 5 – THE REFEREE
• takes action against team offi cials who fail to conduct themselves
in a responsible manner and may, at his discretion, expel them
from the fi eld of play and its immediate surrounds
• acts on the advice of the assistant referees regarding incidents that
he has not seen
• ensures that no unauthorised persons enter the fi eld of play
• indicates the restart of the match after it has been stopped
• provides the appropriate authorities with a match report, which
includes information on any disciplinary action taken against players
and/or team offi cials and any other incidents that occurred before,
during or after the match
Decisions of the Referee
The decisions of the referee regarding facts connected with play,
including whether or not a goal is scored and the result of the match,
are fi nal.
The referee may only change a decision on realising that it is incorrect
or, at his discretion, on the advice of an assistant referee or the fourth
offi cial, provided that he has not restarted play or terminated the
match.
All of them put togethor are here
