Rules
The laws of the game
Eighteen pages, one for each law plus VAR. Written for fans who want to understand refereeing decisions rather than repeat slogans.
Law 1
The field of play
Dimensions, markings and why the pitch size is not fixed.
Law 2
The ball
Size 5, 410–450 grams, and why the ball is checked before every match.
Law 3
The players
Eleven a side, five substitutes, and what happens when a team drops below seven.
Law 4
Players’ equipment
Shin guards, jewellery, and the kit rules referees actually enforce.
Law 5
The referee
Full authority, advantage, and when a decision can no longer be changed.
Law 6
The assistant referees
Offside, throw-ins and the half each assistant patrols.
Law 7
Duration of the match
Two 45-minute halves and where added time actually comes from.
Law 8
The start and restart of play
Kick-off rules, dropped balls and the coin toss.
Law 9
The ball in and out of play
Why the whole ball must cross the whole line.
Law 10
Determining the outcome
When a goal counts, and how winners are decided.
Law 11
Offside
The most argued law in football, explained in three sentences.
Law 12
Fouls and misconduct
Careless, reckless, excessive — the three words behind every card.
Law 13
Free kicks
Direct, indirect, and the 9.15-metre wall.
Law 14
The penalty kick
Eleven metres, one keeper, and a rule most fans get wrong.
Law 15
The throw-in
Both hands, both feet down, and no direct goals.
Law 16
The goal kick
The 2019 change that gave us the short goal kick.
Law 17
The corner kick
The arc, the inswinger and the goal that can be scored directly.
Protocol
VAR: the four reviewable incidents
Goals, penalties, red cards and mistaken identity — nothing else.
Who writes the laws?
The Laws of the Game are maintained by IFAB — a body with eight members: four from FIFA and one each from England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Changes need six of eight votes, which is why big changes are rare and small ones are announced every March.