Master Every Rule of the Beautiful Game
Your complete guide to FIFA & IFAB football rules, player regulations, referee decisions, and game laws — explained simply for players, coaches, and fans.
The 17 Official Football Laws
According to FIFA & IFAB standards — every law that governs the game, from kickoff to the final whistle.
The Field of Play
The pitch must be rectangular — 100–110m long, 64–75m wide for international matches. All lines belong to the area they mark.
FieldThe Ball
Spherical, made of leather or similar. Circumference 68–70cm, weight 410–450g at the start of the match. Pressure: 0.6–1.1 atm.
EquipmentThe Players
11 players per team including the goalkeeper. Minimum 7 to start. Up to 5 substitutions allowed per match (3 in some competitions).
PlayersPlayers’ Equipment
Mandatory: jersey, shorts, socks, shinguards, and boots. Goalkeepers must wear colors that distinguish them from all other players.
EquipmentThe Referee
Full authority to enforce the laws from entry to departure. Decisions are final. May only reverse decisions before play restarts.
OfficialsAssistant Referees
Flag for offside, out-of-play, and which team gets the throw-in, corner, or goal kick. Subject to the referee’s final decision.
OfficialsDuration of the Match
Two equal halves of 45 minutes. Half-time break max 15 minutes. Referee adds stoppage time for delays at their discretion.
TimeStart & Restart of Play
Kickoff starts each half and restarts after a goal. The ball may be kicked in any direction — IFAB changed this in 2016. The kicker cannot touch it again until another player does.
KickoffBall In & Out of Play
Ball is out when it fully crosses a touchline or goal line — on the ground or in the air. Otherwise, the game continues.
In PlayScoring a Goal
A goal is scored when the ball fully crosses the goal line between the posts and under the crossbar — provided no infringement occurred.
ScoringOffside
A player is offside if any body part (except hands/arms) is closer to the opponent’s goal line than both the ball and the second-last defender.
OffsideFouls & Misconduct
Direct & indirect free kicks awarded for fouls. Yellow = caution, Red = dismissal. Denying a goal, serious foul play, violent conduct.
DisciplineFree Kicks
Awarded after most fouls. Direct free kicks can score without another touch; indirect free kicks must touch a second player first. Opponents stay 10 yards away.
RestartPenalty Kick
Awarded for fouls inside the penalty area. Taken from the penalty spot, 11m from goal. Only the kicker and goalkeeper may be inside the area until the ball is kicked.
PenaltyThrow-in
Awarded when the ball crosses the touchline. The taker faces the field, keeps both feet on the ground, and throws with both hands from behind and over the head.
RestartGoal Kick
Awarded when the attacking team last touches the ball before it crosses the goal line. Taken from inside the goal area; opponents must stay outside the penalty area.
RestartCorner Kick
Awarded when the defending team last touches the ball before it crosses their own goal line. Taken from the corner arc — a goal can be scored directly from it.
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Player Positions Explained
Every player on the pitch has a defined role and number. Here’s how a standard 4-4-2 formation breaks down.
Fouls, Cards & Punishments
A complete reference to what earns a yellow or red card — and the consequences for each offence.
| Offence | Card | Restart | Consequence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deliberate handball | Yellow | Direct Free Kick | Caution, opponent restarts from spot |
| Reckless challenge / tackle | Yellow | Direct Free Kick | Caution, possible suspension if 2nd yellow |
| Denying obvious goal-scoring opportunity (DOGSO) | Red | Penalty / Free Kick | Immediate dismissal, team plays with 10 |
| Violent conduct | Red | Free Kick | Immediate dismissal + multi-match ban |
| Serious foul play | Red | Free Kick | Immediate dismissal |
| Persistent infringement | Yellow | Free Kick | Caution |
| Simulation / Diving | Yellow | Free Kick (other team) | Caution for unsporting behaviour |
| Spitting at opponent | Red | Free Kick | Dismissal + lengthy suspension |
| Two yellow cards in same match | Red | Free Kick | Automatic dismissal |
| Offside (gaining advantage) | — | Indirect Free Kick | No card — indirect FK to opposing team |
| Goalkeeper holds ball 8+ seconds | — | Corner Kick | No card — corner kick to opposing team |
Essential Rules at a Glance
The most commonly misunderstood rules in football — clarified once and for all.
Offside Trap
The rule applies at the moment the ball is played — not when the player receives it. One defender (not the GK) can hold the line.
Handball Rule
Accidental handball by an attacker is still a foul if it leads directly to a goal or goal-scoring chance. Intent matters for defenders.
Goal Kick vs Corner
If the attacking team last touched the ball before it crossed the goal line — it’s a goal kick. If the defender did — it’s a corner.
Substitution Rule
Max 5 substitutions per game (3 in some leagues). A substituted player cannot return. Extra sub allowed in extra time.
Penalty Kick
Taken from the penalty spot (11m from goal). All players except kicker & GK must be outside the penalty area until the ball is kicked.
VAR Decisions
VAR reviews only 4 situations: goals, penalties, red cards, and mistaken identity. It cannot overturn judgment calls.
Injury Time (Stoppage)
Added by the referee for goals, substitutions, injuries, VAR checks, and time-wasting. There is no fixed amount — it’s discretionary.
Throw-In Rules
Both feet must be on or behind the touchline. Ball must be thrown from behind and over the head. Cannot score directly from a throw-in.
Never Miss a Rule Change Again
IFAB updates the Laws of the Game every year, and we revise this guide with every change — bookmark this page and check back for the latest rules.