LAW 1 – THE FIELD OF PLAY

Field surface

Matches may be played on natural or artificial surfaces, according to the rules of the competition.

The colour of artificial surfaces must be green.

Where artificial surfaces are used in either competition matches between representative teams of member associations affiliated to FIFA or international club competition matches, the surface must meet the requirements of the FIFA Quality Concept for Football Turf or the International Artificial 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 field 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 field 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.

Dimensions

The length of the touch line must be greater than the length of the goal line.

Length (touch line):

minimum 90 m (100 yds)

maximum 120 m (130 yds)

Width (goal line):

minimum 45 m (50 yds)

maximum 90 m (100 yds)

All lines must be of the same width, which must be not more than 12 cm (5 ins).

International matches

Length:

minimum 100 m (110 yds)

maximum 110 m (120 yds)

Width:

minimum 64 m (70 yds)

maximum 75 m (80 yds)

The goal area

Two lines are drawn at right angles to the goal line, 5.5 m (6 yds) from the inside of each goalpost. These lines extend into the field of play for a distance of 5.5 m (6 yds) and are joined by a line drawn parallel with the goal line. The area bounded by these lines and the goal line is the goal area.

The penalty area

Two lines are drawn at right angles to the goal line, 16.5 m (18 yds) from the inside of each goalpost. These lines extend into the field of play for a distance of 16.5 m (18 yds) and are joined by a line drawn parallel with the goal line. The area bounded by these lines and the goal line is the penalty area.

Within each penalty area, a penalty mark is made 11 m (12 yds) from the midpoint between the goalposts and equidistant to them.

An arc of a circle with a radius of 9.15 m (10 yds) from the centre of each penalty mark is drawn outside the penalty area.

Flagposts

A flagpost, not less than 1.5 m (5 ft) high, with a non-pointed top and a flag must be placed at each corner.

Flagposts may also be placed at each end of the halfway line, not less than 1 m (1 yd) outside the touch line.

The corner arc

A quarter circle with a radius of 1 m (1 yd) from each corner flagpost is drawn inside the field of play.

Goals

A goal must be placed on the centre of each goal line.

A goal consists of two upright posts equidistant from the corner flagposts and joined at the top by a horizontal crossbar. The goalposts and crossbar must be made of wood, metal or other approved material. They must 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).

The position of the goalposts in relation to the goal line must be according to the graphics below.

If the shape of the goalposts is square (viewed from above), the sides must be parallel or perpendicular to the goal line. The sides of the crossbar must be parallel or perpendicular to the field plane.

If the shape of the goalposts is elliptical (viewed from above), the longest axis must be perpendicular to the goal line. The longest axis of the crossbar must be parallel to the field plane.

If the shape of the goalposts is rectangular (viewed from above), the longest side must be perpendicular to the goal line. The longest side of the crossbar must be parallel to the field plane.

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.

 Decisions of the International F.A. Board

Decision 1Where a technical area exists, it must meet the requirements approved by the International F.A. Board, which are contained in the section of this publication entitled The Technical Area.

LAW 2 - THE BALL

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)

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 during a penalty kick or during kicks from the penalty mark as it moves forward and before it touches any player or the crossbar or goalposts:

the penalty kick is retaken

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 official competition organised under the auspices of FIFA or the confederations is conditional upon the ball bearing one of the following:

the official “FIFA APPROVED” logo

the official “FIFA INSPECTED” logo

the “INTERNATIONAL MATCHBALL STANDARD” logo

Such a logo on a ball indicates that it has been tested officially and found to be in compliance with specific technical requirements, different for each logo and additional to the minimum specifications stipulated in Law 2. The list of the additional requirements specific 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 official 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.

LAW 3 - THE NUMBER OF PLAYERS

Number of 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.

Number of substitutions

Official competitions

Up to a maximum of three substitutes may be used in any match played in an official 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.

Substitution procedure

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.

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 field of play after the player being replaced has left and after receiving a signal from the referee

the substitute only enters the field of play at the halfway line and during a stoppage in the match

the substitution is completed when a substitute enters the field 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 of the referee, whether called upon to play or not

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

the referee is informed before the match

Infringements and sanctions

If a substitute or substituted player enters the field 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 field 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' EQUIPMENTS

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 or tights 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 field of play to correct his equipment

the player leaves the field of play when the ball next ceases to be in play, unless he has already corrected his equipment

any player required to leave the field 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 field of play

the player is only allowed to re-enter the field of play when the ball is out of play

A player who has been required to leave the field of play because of an infringement of this Law and who re-enters the field 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)

Decisions of the International F.A. Board

Decision 1Players 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.

LAW 5 - THE REFEREE

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 official

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 field of play. An injured player may only return to the field 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 field of play. The player may only return on receiving a signal from the referee, who must be satisfied that the bleeding has stopped

allows play to continue when the team against which an offence has been committed will benefit 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

takes action against team officials who fail to conduct themselves in a responsible manner and may, at his discretion, expel them from the field 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 field 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 officials 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 final.

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 official, provided that he has not restarted play or terminated the match.

Decisions of the International F.A. Board

Decision 1A referee (or where applicable, an assistant referee or fourth official) is not held liable for:

any kind of injury suffered by a player, official or spectator

any damage to property of any kind

any other loss suffered by any individual, club, company, association or other body, which is due or which may be due to any decision that he may take under the terms of the Laws of the Game or in respect of the normal procedures required to hold, play and control a match.

Such decisions may include:

a decision that the condition of the field of play or its surrounds or that the weather conditions are such as to allow or not to allow a match to take place

a decision to abandon a match for whatever reason

a decision as to the suitability of the field equipment and ball used during a match

a decision to stop or not to stop a match due to spectator interference or any problem in spectator areas

a decision to stop or not to stop play to allow an injured player to be removed from the field of play for treatment

a decision to require an injured player to be removed from the field of play for treatment

a decision to allow or not to allow a player to wear certain apparel or equipment

a decision (where he has the authority) to allow or not to allow any persons (including team or stadium officials, security officers, photographers or other media representatives) to be present in the vicinity of the field of play

any other decision that he may take in accordance with the Laws of the Game or in conformity with his duties under the terms of FIFA, confederation, member association or league rules or regulations under which the match is played

Decision 2In tournaments or competitions where a fourth official is appointed, his role and duties must be in accordance with the guidelines approved by the International F.A. Board, which are contained in this publication.

LAW 6 - THE ASSISTANT REFEREES

Duties

Two assistant referees may be appointed whose duties, subject to the decision of the referee, are to indicate:

when the whole of the ball leaves the field of play

which team is entitled to a corner kick, goal kick or throw-in

when a player may be penalised for being in an offside position

when a substitution is requested

when misconduct or any other incident occurs out of the view of the referee

when offences have been committed whenever the assistant referees have a better view than the referee (this includes, in certain circumstances, offences committed in the penalty area)

whether, at penalty kicks, the goalkeeper moves off the goal line before the ball is kicked and if the ball crosses the line

LAW 7 - THE DURATION OF THE MATCH

Periods of play

The match lasts two equal periods of 45 minutes, unless otherwise mutually agreed between the referee and the two teams. Any agreement to alter the duration of the periods of play (e.g. to reduce each half to 40 minutes because of insufficient light) must be made before the start of play and must comply with competition rules.

Half-time interval

Players are entitled to an interval at half-time.

The half-time interval must not exceed 15 minutes.

Competition rules must state the duration of the half-time interval.

The duration of the half-time interval may be altered only with the consent of the referee

Allowance for time lost

Allowance is made in either period for all time lost through:

substitutions

assessment of injury to players

removal of injured players from the field of play for treatment

wasting time

any other cause

The allowance for time lost is at the discretion of the referee.

Penalty kick

If a penalty kick has to be taken or retaken, the duration of either half is extended until the penalty kick is completed.

Abandoned match

An abandoned match is replayed unless the competition rules provide otherwise.

LAW 8 - THE START AND RESTART OF PLAY

Definition of kick-off

A kick-off is a way of starting or restarting play:

at the start of the match

after a goal has been scored

at the start of the second half of the match

at the start of each period of extra time, where applicable A goal may be scored directly from the kick-off.

Procedure

Before a kick-off at the start of the match or extra time

a coin is tossed and the team that wins the toss decides which goal it will attack in the first half of the match.

the other team takes the kick-off to start the match.

the team that wins the toss takes the kick-off to start the second half of the match.

in the second half of the match, the teams change ends and attack the opposite goals.

Kick-off

after a team scores a goal, the kick-off is taken by the other team.

all players must be in their own half of the field of play

the opponents of the team taking the kick-off are at least 9.15 m (10 yds) from the ball until it is in play

the ball must be stationary on the centre mark

the referee gives a signal

the ball is in play when it is kicked and moves forward

the kicker must not touch the ball again until it has touched another player

Infringements and sanctions

If the player taking the kick-off touches the ball again before it has touched another player:

an indirect free kick is awarded to the opposing team to be taken from the position of the ball when the infringement occurred (see Law 13 - Position of free kick)

In the event of any other infringement of the kick-off procedure:

the kick-off is retaken

Definition of Dropped ball

A dropped ball is a method of restarting play whenIf, while the ball is still in play, the referee is required to stop play temporarily for any reason not mentioned elsewhere in the Laws of the Game, the match is restarted with a dropped ball.

Procedure

The referee drops the ball at the place where it was located when play was stopped, unless play was stopped inside the goal area, in which case the referee drops the ball on the goal area line parallel to the goal line at the point nearest to where the ball was located when play was stopped.

Play restarts when the ball touches the ground

Infringements and sanctions

The ball is dropped again:

if it is touched by a player before it makes contact with the ground

if the ball leaves the field of play after it makes contact with the ground, without a player touching it

LAW 9 - THE BALL IN AND OUT OF PLAY

Ball out of play

The ball is out of play when:

it has wholly crossed the goal line or touch line whether on the ground or in the air

play has been stopped by the referee

Ball in play

The ball is in play at all other times, including when:

it rebounds off a goalpost, crossbar or corner flagpost and remains in the field of play

it rebounds off either the referee or an assistant referee when they are on the field of play

LAW 10 - THE METHOD OF SCORING

Goal scored

A goal is scored when the whole of the ball passes over the goal line, between the goalposts and under the crossbar, provided that no infringement of the Laws of the Game has been committed previously by the team scoring the goal.

Winning team

The team scoring the greater number of goals during a match is the winner. If both teams score an equal number of goals, or if no goals are scored, the match is drawn.

Competition rules

When competition rules require there to be a winning team after a match or home-and-away tie, the only permitted procedures for determining the winning team are those approved by the International F.A. Board, namely:

away goals rule

extra time

kicks from the penalty mark

LAW 11 - OFFSIDE

Offside position

It is not an offence in itself to be in an offside position.

A player is in an offside position if:

he is nearer to his opponents' goal line than both the ball and the second-last opponent

A player is not in an offside position if:

he is in his own half of the field of play or

he is level with the second-last opponent or

he is level with the last two opponents

Offence

A player in an offside position is only penalised if, at the moment the ball touches or is played by one of his team, he is, in the opinion of the referee, involved in active play by:

interfering with play or

interfering with an opponent or

gaining an advantage by being in that position

No offence

There is no offside offence if a player receives the ball directly from:

a goal kick

a throw-in

a corner kick

Infringements and sanctions

In the event of an offside offence, the referee awards an indirect free kick to the opposing team to be taken from the place where the infringement occurred (see Law 13 - Position of free kick).

LAW 12 - FOULS AND MISCONDUCT

Direct free kick

A direct free kick is awarded to the opposing team if a player commits any of the following seven offences in a manner considered by the referee to be careless, reckless or using excessive force:

kicks or attempts to kick an opponent

trips or attempts to trip an opponent

jumps at an opponent

charges an opponent

strikes or attempts to strike an opponent

pushes an opponent

tackles an opponent

A direct free kick is also awarded to the opposing team if a player commits any of the following three offences:

holds an opponent

spits at an opponent

handles the ball deliberately (except for the goalkeeper within his own penalty area)

A direct free kick is taken from the place where the offence occurred (see Law 13 - Position of free kick).

Penalty kick

A penalty kick is awarded if any of the above ten offences is committed by a player inside his own penalty area, irrespective of the position of the ball, provided it is in play.

Indirect free kick

An indirect free kick is awarded to the opposing team if a goalkeeper, inside his own penalty area, commits any of the following four offences:

controls the ball with his hands for more than six seconds before releasing it from his possession

touches the ball again with his hands after he has released it from his possession and before it has touched another player

touches the ball with his hands after it has been deliberately kicked to him by a team-mate

touches the ball with his hands after he has received it directly from a throw-in taken by a team-mate

An indirect free kick is also awarded to the opposing team if, in the opinion of the referee, a player:

plays in a dangerous manner

impedes the progress of an opponent

prevents the goalkeeper from releasing the ball from his hands

commits any other offence, not previously mentioned in Law 12, for which play is stopped to caution or send off a player

The indirect free kick is taken from the place where the offence occurred (see Law 13 - Position of free kick).

Disciplinary sanctions

The yellow card is used to communicate that a player, substitute or substituted player has been cautioned.

The red card is used to communicate that a player, substitute or substituted player has been sent off.

Only a player, substitute or substituted player may be shown the red or yellow card.

The referee has the authority to take disciplinary sanctions from the moment he enters the field of play until he leaves the field of play after the final whistle.

A player who commits a cautionable or sending-off offence, either on or off the field of play, whether directed towards an opponent, a team-mate, the referee, an assistant referee or any other person, is disciplined according to the nature of the offence committed.

Cautionable offences

A player is cautioned and shown the yellow card if he commits any of the following seven offences:

unsporting behaviour

dissent by word or action

persistent infringement of the Laws of the Game

delaying the restart of play

failure to respect the required distance when play is restarted with a corner kick, free kick or throw-in

entering or re-entering the field of play without the referee's permission

deliberately leaving the field of play without the referee's permission

A substitute or substituted player is cautioned if he commits any of the following three offences:

unsporting behaviour

dissent by word or action

delaying the restart of play

Sending-off offences

A player, substitute or substituted player is sent off if he commits any of the following seven offences:

serious foul play

violent conduct

spitting at an opponent or any other person

denying the opposing team a goal or an obvious goalscoring opportunity by deliberately handling the ball (this does not apply to a goalkeeper within his own penalty area)

denying an obvious goalscoring opportunity to an opponent moving towards the player's goal by an offence punishable by a free kick or a penalty kick

using offensive, insulting or abusive language and/or gestures

receiving a second caution in the same match

A player, substitute or substituted player who has been sent off must leave the vicinity of the field of play and the technical area

LAW 13 - FREE KICKS

Types of free kick

Free kicks are either direct or indirect.

The direct free kick

Ball enters the goal

if a direct free kick is kicked directly into the opponents’ goal, a goal is awarded

if a direct free kick is kicked directly into the team’s own goal, a corner kick is awarded to the opposing team

if a direct free kick is kicked directly into the opponents’ goal, a goal is awarded

Indirect free kick

Signal

The referee indicates an indirect free kick by raising his arm above his head. He maintains his arm in that position until the kick has been taken and the ball has touched another player or goes out of play.

Ball enters the goal

A goal can be scored only if the ball subsequently touches another player before it enters the goal:

if an indirect free kick is kicked directly into the opponents' goal, a goal kick is awarded

if an indirect free kick is kicked directly into the team's own goal, a corner kick is awarded to the opposing team

Procedure

For both direct and indirect free kicks, the ball must be stationary when the kick is taken and the kicker must not touch the ball again until it has touched another player.

Position of free kick

Free kick inside the penalty area

Direct or indirect free kick to the defending team:

all opponents must be at least 9.15 m (10 yds) from the ball

all opponents must remain outside the penalty area until the ball is in play

the ball is in play when it is kicked directly out of the penalty area

a free kick awarded in the goal area may be taken from any point inside that area

Indirect free kick to the attacking team:

all opponents must be at least 9.15 m (10 yds) from the ball until it is in play, unless they are on their own goal line between the goalposts

the ball is in play when it is kicked and moves

an indirect free kick awarded inside the goal area must be taken on the goal area line parallel to the goal line at the point nearest to where the infringement occurred

Free kick outside the penalty area

all opponents must be at least 9.15 m (10 yds) from the ball until it is in play

the ball is in play when it is kicked and moves

the free kick is taken from the place where the infringement occurred or from the position of the ball when the infringement occurred (according to the infringement)

Infringements and sanctions

If, when a free kick is taken, an opponent is closer to the ball than the required distance:

the kick is retaken

If, when a free kick is taken by the defending team from inside its own penalty area, the ball is not kicked directly out of the penalty area:

the kick is retaken

Free kick taken by a player other than the goalkeeper

If, after the ball is in play, the kicker touches the ball again (except with his hands) before it has touched another player:

an indirect free kick is awarded to the opposing team, to be taken from the place where the infringement occurred (see Law 13 - Position of free kick)

If, after the ball is in play, the kicker deliberately handles the ball before it has touched another player:

a direct free kick is awarded to the opposing team, to be taken from the place where the infringement occurred (see Law 13 - Position of free kick)

a penalty kick is awarded if the infringement occurred inside the kicker's penalty area

Free kick taken by the goalkeeper

If, after the ball is in play, the goalkeeper touches the ball again (except with his hands), before it has touched another player:

an indirect free kick is awarded to the opposing team, to be taken from the place where the infringement occurred (see Law 13 - Position of free kick)

If, after the ball is in play, the goalkeeper deliberately handles the ball before it has touched another player:

a direct free kick is awarded to the opposing team if the infringement occurred outside the goalkeeper's penalty area, to be taken from the place where the infringement occurred (see Law 13 - Position of free kick)

an indirect free kick is awarded to the opposing team if the infringement occurred inside the goalkeeper's penalty area, to be taken from the place where the infringement occurred (see Law 13 - Position of free kick)

LAW 14 - THE PENALTY KICK

Introduction

A penalty kick is awarded against a team that commits one of the ten offences for which a direct free kick is awarded, inside its own penalty area and while the ball is in play.

A goal may be scored directly from a penalty kick.

Additional time is allowed for a penalty kick to be taken at the end of each half or at the end of periods of extra time.

Position of the ball and the players

The ball:

must be placed on the penalty mark

The player taking the penalty kick:

must be properly identified

The defending goalkeeper:

must remain on his goal line, facing the kicker, between the goalposts until the ball has been kicked

The players other than the kicker must be located:

inside the field of play

outside the penalty area

behind the penalty mark

at least 9.15 m (10 yds) from the penalty mark

Procedure

After the players have taken positions in accordance with this Law, the referee signals for the penalty kick to be taken

The player taking the penalty kick must kick the ball forward

He must not play the ball again until it has touched another player

The ball is in play when it is kicked and moves forward

When a penalty kick is taken during the normal course of play, or time has been extended at half-time or full time to allow a penalty kick to be taken or retaken, a goal is awarded if, before passing between the goalposts and under the crossbar:

the ball touches either or both of the goalposts and/or the crossbar and/or the goalkeeper

The referee decides when a penalty kick has been completed.

Infringements and sanctions

If the referee gives the signal for a penalty kick to be taken and, before the ball is in play, one of the following occurs:

the player taking the penalty kick infringes the Laws of the Game:

the referee allows the kick to be taken

if the ball enters the goal, the kick is retaken

if the ball does not enter the goal, the referee stops play and the match is restarted with an indirect free kick to the defending team from the place where the infringement occurred

the goalkeeper infringes the Laws of the Game:

the referee allows the kick to be taken

if the ball enters the goal, a goal is awarded

if the ball does not enter the goal, the kick is retaken

a team-mate of the player taking the kick infringes the Laws of the Game:

the referee allows the kick to be taken

if the ball enters the goal, the kick is retaken

if the ball does not enter the goal, the referee stops play and the match is restarted with an indirect free kick to the defending team from the place where the infringement occurred

a team-mate of the goalkeeper infringes the Laws of the Game:

the referee allows the kick to be taken

if the ball enters the goal, a goal is awarded

if the ball does not enter the goal, the kick is retaken

a player of both the defending team and the attacking team infringe the Laws of the Game:

the kick is retaken

If, after the penalty kick has been taken:

the kicker touches the ball again (except with his hands) before it has touched another player:

an indirect free kick is awarded to the opposing team, the kick to be taken from the place where the infringement occurred (see Law 13 - Position of Free Kick)

the kicker deliberately handles the ball before it has touched another player:

a direct free kick is awarded to the opposing team, to be taken from the place where the infringement occurred (see Law 13 - Position of free kick)

the ball is touched by an outside agent as it moves forward:

the kick is retaken

the ball rebounds into the field of play from the goalkeeper, the crossbar or the goalposts and is then touched by an outside agent:

the referee stops play

play is restarted with a dropped ball at the place where it touched the outside agent, unless it touched the outside agent inside the goal area, in which case the referee drops the ball on the goal area line parallel to the goal line at the point nearest to where the ball was located when play was stopped

LAW 15 - THE THROW-IN

Introduction

A throw-in is a method of restarting play.

A throw-in is awarded to the opponents of the player who last touched the ball when the whole of the ball crosses the touch line, either on the ground or in the air.

A goal cannot be scored directly from a throw-in.

Procedure

At the moment of delivering the ball, the thrower:

faces the field of play

has part of each foot either on the touch line or on the ground outside the touch line

holds the ball with both hands

delivers the ball from behind and over his head

delivers the ball from the point where it left the field of play

All opponents must stand no less than 2 m (2 yds) from the point at which the throw-in is taken.

The ball is in play when it enters the field of play.

After delivering the ball, the thrower must not touch the ball again until it has touched another player.

Infringements and sanctions

Throw-in taken by a player other than the goalkeeper

If, after the ball is in play, the thrower touches the ball again (except with his hands) before it has touched another player:

an indirect free kick is awarded to the opposing team, to be taken from the place where the infringement occurred (see Law 13 - Position of free kick)

If, after the ball is in play, the thrower deliberately handles the ball before it has touched another player:

a direct free kick is awarded to the opposing team, to be taken from the place where the infringement occurred (see Law 13 - Position of free kick)

a penalty kick is awarded if the infringement occurred inside the thrower's penalty area

Throw-in taken by the goalkeeper

If, after the ball is in play, the goalkeeper touches the ball again (except with his hands), before it has touched another player:

an indirect free kick is awarded to the opposing team, to be taken from the place where the infringement occurred (see Law 13 - Position of free kick)

If, after the ball is in play, the goalkeeper deliberately handles the ball before it has touched another player:

a direct free kick is awarded to the opposing team if the infringement occurred outside the goalkeeper's penalty area, to be taken from the place where the infringement occurred (see Law 13 - Position of free kick)

an indirect free kick is awarded to the opposing team if the infringement occurred inside the goalkeeper's penalty area, to be taken from the place where the infringement occurred (see Law 13 - Position of free kick)

If an opponent unfairly distracts or impedes the thrower:

he is cautioned for unsporting behaviour

For any other infringement of this Law:

the throw-in is taken by a player of the opposing team

LAW 16 - THE GOAL-KICK

Introduction

A goal kick is a method of restarting play.

A goal kick is awarded when the whole of the ball passes over the goal line, either on the ground or in the air, having last touched a player of the attacking team, and a goal is not scored in accordance with Law 10.

A goal may be scored directly from a goal kick, but only against the opposing team

Procedure

The ball is kicked from any point within the goal area by a player of the defending team

Opponents remain outside the penalty area until the ball is in play

The kicker must not play the ball again until it has touched another player

The ball is in play when it is kicked directly out of the penalty area

Infringements and sanctions

If the ball is not kicked directly out of the penalty area from a goal kick:

the kick is retaken

Goal kick taken by a player other than the goalkeeper

If, after the ball is in play, the kicker touches the ball again (except with his hands) before it has touched another player:

an indirect free kick is awarded to the opposing team, to be taken from the place where the infringement occurred (see Law 13 - Position of free kick)

If, after the ball is in play, the kicker deliberately handles the ball before it has touched another player:

a direct free kick is awarded to the opposing team, to be taken from the place where the infringement occurred (see Law 13 - Position of free kick)

a penalty kick is awarded if the infringement occurred inside the kicker's penalty area

Goal kick taken by the goalkeeper

If, after the ball is in play, the goalkeeper touches the ball again (except with his hands) before it has touched another player:

an indirect free kick is awarded to the opposing team, to be taken from the place where the infringement occurred (see Law 13 - Position of free kick)

If, after the ball is in play, the goalkeeper deliberately handles the ball before it has touched another player:

a direct free kick is awarded to the opposing team if the infringement occurred outside the goalkeeper's penalty area, to be taken from the place where the infringement occurred (see Law 13 - Position of free kick)

an indirect free kick is awarded to the opposing team if the infringement occurred inside the goalkeeper's penalty area, to be taken from the place where the infringement occurred (see Law 13 - Position of free kick)

In the event of any other infringement of this Law:

the kick is retaken

LAW 17 - THE CORNER KICK

Introduction

A corner kick is a method of restarting play.

A corner kick is awarded when the whole of the ball passes over the goal line, either on the ground or in the air, having last touched a player of the defending team, and a goal is not scored in accordance with Law 10.

A goal may be scored directly from a corner kick, but only against the opposing team

Procedure

The ball must be placed inside the corner arc nearest to the point where the ball crossed the goal line

The corner flagpost must not be moved

Opponents must remain at least 9.15 m (10 yds) from the corner arc until the ball is in play

The ball must be kicked by a player of the attacking team

The ball is in play when it is kicked and moves

The kicker must not play the ball again until it has touched another player

Infringements and sanctions

Corner kick taken by a player other than the goalkeeper

If, after the ball is in play, the kicker touches the ball again (except with his hands) before it has touched another player:

an indirect free kick is awarded to the opposing team, to be taken from the place where the infringement occurred (see Law 13 - Position of free kick)

If, after the ball is in play, the kicker deliberately handles the ball before it has touched another player:

a direct free kick is awarded to the opposing team, to be taken from the place where the infringement occurred (see Law 13 - Position of free kick)

a penalty kick is awarded if the infringement occurred inside the kicker's

penalty area Corner kick taken by the goalkeeper

If, after the ball is in play, the goalkeeper touches the ball again (except with his hands) before it has touched another player:

an indirect free kick is awarded to the opposing team, to be taken from the place where the infringement occurred (see Law 13 - Position of free kick)

If, after the ball is in play, the goalkeeper deliberately handles the ball before it has touched another player:

a direct free kick is awarded to the opposing team if the infringement occurred outside the goalkeeper's penalty area, to be taken from the place where the infringement occurred (see Law 13 - Position of free kick)

an indirect free kick is awarded to the opposing team if the infringement occurred inside the goalkeeper's penalty area, to be taken from the place where the infringement occurred (see Law 13 - Position of free kick)

In the event of any other infringement:

the kick is retaken

Procedures to determine the winner of a match of home-and-away

Introduction

Away goals, extra time and kicks from the penalty mark are the three methods approved for determining the winning team where competition rules require there to be a winning team after a match has been drawn.

Away Goals

Competition rules may provide that where teams play each other home and away, if the aggregate score is equal after the second match, any goals scored at the ground of the opposing team will count double.

Extra time

Competition rules may provide for two further equal periods, not exceeding 15 minutes each, to be played. The conditions of Law 8 will apply.

Kicks from the penalty mark

Procedure

The referee chooses the goal at which the kicks will be taken

The referee tosses a coin and the team whose captain wins the toss decides whether to take the first or the second kick

The referee keeps a record of the kicks being taken

Subject to the conditions explained below, both teams take five kicks

The kicks are taken alternately by the teams

If, before both teams have taken five kicks, one has scored more goals than the other could score, even if it were to complete its five kicks, no more kicks are taken

If, after both teams have taken five kicks, both have scored the same number of goals, or have not scored any goals, kicks continue to be taken in the same order until one team has scored a goal more than the other from the same number of kicks

A goalkeeper who is injured while kicks are being taken from the penalty mark and is unable to continue as goalkeeper may be replaced by a named substitute provided his team has not used the maximum number of substitutes permitted under the competition rules

With the exception of the foregoing case, only players who are on the field of play at the end of the match, which includes extra time where appropriate, are eligible to take kicks from the penalty mark

Each kick is taken by a different player and all eligible players must take a kick before any player can take a second kick

An eligible player may change places with the goalkeeper at any time when kicks from the penalty mark are being taken

Only the eligible players and match officials are permitted to remain on the field of play when kicks from the penalty mark are being taken

All players, except the player taking the kick and the two goalkeepers, must remain within the centre circle

The goalkeeper who is the team-mate of the kicker must remain on the field of play, outside the penalty area in which the kicks are being taken, on the goal line where it meets the penalty area boundary line

Unless otherwise stated, the relevant Laws of the Game and International F.A. Board Decisions apply when kicks from the penalty mark are being taken

If at the end of the match and before the kicks start to be taken from the penalty mark, one team has a greater number of players than its opponents, it must reduce its numbers to equate with that of its opponents and the team captain must inform the referee of the name and number of each player excluded. Any player thus excluded may not participate in kicks from the penalty mark.

Before the start of kicks from the penalty mark, the referee must ensure that an equal number of players from each team remains within the centre circle and they shall take the kicks

 The Technical Area

Introduction

The technical area relates to matches played in stadiums with a designated seated area for technical staff and substitutes as described below.

While the size and position of technical areas may differ between stadiums, the following notes are issued for general guidance:

the technical area extends 1 m (1 yd) on either side of the designated seated area and extends forward up to a distance of 1 m (1 yd) from the touch line

it is recommended that markings are used to define this area

the number of persons permitted to occupy the technical area is defined by the competition rules

the occupants of the technical area are identified before the beginning of the match in accordance with the competition rules

only one person at a time is authorised to convey tactical instructions from the technical area

the coach and other officials must remain within its confines except in special circumstances, e.g. a physiotherapist or doctor entering the field of play, with the referee's permission, to assess an injured player

the coach and other occupants of the technical area must behave in a responsible manner

The Fourth Official and the Reserve Assistant Referee

Introduction

A fourth official may be appointed under the competition rules and officiates if any of the three match officials is unable to continue, unless a reserve assistant referee is appointed. He assists the referee at all times

Prior to the start of the competition, the organiser states clearly whether, if the referee is unable to continue, the fourth official takes over as the referee or whether the senior assistant referee takes over as referee with the fourth official becoming an assistant referee

The fourth official assists with any administrative duties before, during and after the match, as required by the referee

He is responsible for assisting with substitution procedures during the match

He has the authority to check the equipment of substitutes before they enter the field of play. If their equipment does not comply with the Laws of the Game, he informs the referee

He supervises the replacement balls, where required. If the match ball has to be replaced during a match, he provides another ball, on the instruction of the referee, thus keeping the delay to a minimum

He assists the referee to control the match in accordance with the Laws of the Game. The referee, however, retains the authority to decide on all points connected with play.

After the match, the fourth official must submit a report to the appropriate authorities on any misconduct or other incident that occurred out of the view of the referee and the assistant referees. The fourth official must advise the referee and his assistants of any report being made - He has the authority to inform the referee of irresponsible behaviour by any occupant of the technical area

A reserve assistant referee may also be appointed under competition rules. His only duty shall be to replace an assistant referee who is unable to continue or to replace the fourth official, as required

Rules of the International Football Association Board

Name and constitution

The title of the Board shall be the International Football Association Board. The Football Association (England), The Scottish Football Association, The Football Association of Wales, The Irish Football Association and the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA), hereafter called associations, shall constitute the Board and each shall be entitled to be represented by four delegates.

Objects

The objects of the Board shall be to discuss and decide proposed alterations to the Laws of the Game and such other matters affecting association football as required to be referred to the Board after consideration by the Annual General Meetings or other appropriate meetings of the associations forming the Board or confederations or member associations.

Meetings of the Board

The Board shall meet bi-annually. The Annual General Meeting shall take place in the month of February or March as agreed.

The Annual Business Meeting shall take place in the month of September or October, as agreed. The date and venue of both the Annual General Meeting and the Annual Business Meeting shall be decided at the previous Annual General Meeting of the Board.

In each current year, both the Annual General Meeting and the Annual Business Meeting shall be hosted by the same member association.

A representative of the host association shall preside. The responsibility for hosting both meetings shall be passed in rotation to each association.

Annual General MeetingThe Annual General Meeting is authorised to discuss and decide on proposed alterations to the Laws of the Game and other relevant matters affecting association football that fall within the remit of the Board.

Annual Business MeetingThe Annual Business Meeting shall take place in the month of September or October, as agreed. The meeting shall have the authority to consider general business submitted to the Board. It may provide decisions on such items but the Annual Business Meeting shall not have the authority to alter the Laws of the Game.

Procedures

Annual General MeetingEach association shall forward in writing, not later than 1 December, to the secretary of the association hosting the meeting, suggestions or proposed alterations to the Laws of the Game, requests for experimentation to the Laws of the Game and other items for discussion, which shall be printed and distributed not later than 14 December.

Any amendments to such proposed alterations must be submitted in writing to the secretary of the host association not later than 14 January, and such proposals and amendments shall be printed and distributed to the associations for consideration not later than 1 February.

Annual Business MeetingEach association shall forward in writing to the secretary of the host association, at least four weeks before the date of the meeting, any proposals, requests for experimentation regarding the Laws of the Game and other items for discussion.

The agenda and relevant papers shall be distributed to all member associations of the Board two weeks before the meeting.

Any confederation or other member association of FIFA may forward in writing to the Secretary General of FIFA, proposals, requests or items for discussion in good time to ensure that they may be considered by FIFA and, if acceptable, forwarded to the secretary of the host association at least four weeks before the meeting.

Minutes

The minutes of the meeting shall be recorded by the secretary of the host association and shall be reported in the official Minute Book, which shall be forwarded to the association next in rotation before the first day of February ensuing.

Quorum and voting powers

The business of a meeting shall not be proceeded unless four associations, one of which shall be FIFA, are represented. FIFA shall have four votes on behalf of all its affiliated member associations. The other associations of the IFAB shall each have one vote. For a proposal to succeed, it must receive the support of at least three-quarters of those present and entitled to vote.

Alterations to the laws of the game

No alterations shall be made to the Laws of the Game except in the Annual General Meeting of the Board and then only if agreed by at least three-quarters of those present and entitled to vote.

Special meetings

The association hosting the Board meetings for the current year* shall, on receiving a written requisition signed by FIFA or by any two of the other member associations, accompanied by a copy of the proposals to be submitted, call a special meeting of the Board. Such special meetings shall be held within twenty-eight days of the requisition and the associations forming the Board shall receive twenty-one days' notice together with a copy of the proposals.

Decisions of the Board

The decisions of the Annual Business Meeting of the Board shall be effective from the date of the meeting, unless agreed otherwise.

The decisions of the Annual General Meeting of the Board regarding changes to the Laws of the Game shall be binding on confederations and member associations as from 1 July following each Annual General Meeting of the Board but confederations or member associations whose current season has not ended by 1 July may delay the introduction of the adopted alterations to the Laws of the Game for their competitions until the beginning of their next season. No alteration to the Laws of the Game shall be made by any confederation or member association unless it has been passed by the Board.**

The current year shall be understood to commence on the day following the previous Annual General Meeting.
** It was agreed that for international matches any such decisions would be effective from 1 July following the Annual General Meeting of the Board at which they were reached.

Notes on the Laws of the Game

Modifications

Subject to the agreement of the member association concerned and provided the principles of these Laws are maintained, the Laws may be modified in their application for matches for players of under 16 years of age, for women footballers, for veteran footballers (over 35 years of age) and for players with disabilities.

Any or all of the following modifications are permissible:

size of the field of play

size, weight and material of the ball

width between the goalposts and height of the crossbar from the ground

duration of the periods of play

substitutions

Further modifications are only allowed with the consent of the International Football Association Board.

Male and Female References to the male gender in the Laws of the Game in respect of referees, assistant referees, players and officials are for simplification and apply to both men and women.

Official languages On behalf of the International Football Association Board, FIFA publishes the Laws of the Game in English, French, German and Spanish. If there is any divergence in the wording, the English text is authoritative.

Authorised by the International Football Association Board

This booklet may not be reproduced or translated in whole or in part in any manner without the permission of FIFA.

Published by FIFA

Federation Internationale de Football Association

FIFA-Strasse 20, P.O. Box 8044 Zurich, Switzerland