Laws of the game
2023/24 Law changes explained
Read more details about the changes for the season ahead
The International Football Association Board (IFAB)
See the latest updates on the laws of the game from the IFAB
Law 1 - The field of play
The field of play must be a wholly natural or, if competition rules...
Law 2 - The ball
Qualities and Measurements - All balls must be: spherical made of...
Law 3 - The Players
Number of Players - A match is played by two teams, each...
Law 4 - The players' equipment
Safety - A player must not use equipment or wear anything that...
Law 5 - The referee
The authority of the referee - each match is controlled by a ...
Law 6 - The other match officials
Introduction - Other match officials (two assistant referees,...
Law 7 - The duration of the match
Periods of play - A match lasts for two equal halves of 45...
Law 8 - The start and restart of play
Introduction - A kick-off starts both halves of a match...
Law 9 - The ball in and out of play
Ball out of play - The ball is out of play when it has...
Law 10 - Determining the match
Goal Scored - A goal is scored when the whole of the ball...
Law 11 - Offside
Offside position - It is not an offence to be in an offside...
Law 12 - Fouls and misconduct
Introduction - Direct and indirect free-kicks and penalty kicks can...
Law 13 - Free-kicks
Types of free-kick - Direct and indirect free-kicks are awarded...
Law 14 - The penalty kick
Introduction - A penalty kick is awarded if a player commits a...
Law 15 - The throw-in
Introduction - A throw-in is awarded to the opponents of the...
Law 16 - The goal kick
Introduction - A goal kick is awarded when the whole of the...
Law 17 - The corner kick
Introduction - A corner kick is awarded when the whole of the...
FURTHER GUIDANCE
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