• 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.

• 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.

• 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. Substitutes not so named may not take part in the match.

Substitution Procedure

To replace a player by a substitute, the following conditions must be observed: the referee is informed before any proposed substitution is made; a substitute only enters the field of play after the player being replaced has left and after receiving a signal from the referee; a substitute only enters the field of play at the halfway line and during a stoppage in the match; a 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 ceases to be a player; a player who has been replaced 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.

Infringements/Sanctions

If a substitute enters the field of play without the referee’s permission: play is stopped; the substitute is cautioned, shown the yellow card and required to leave the field of play; play is restarted with an indirect free kick at the place the ball was located when play was stopped * (see page 3) If a player changes places with the goalkeeper without the referee’s permission before the change is made: play continues; Infringements/Sanctions   the players concerned are cautioned and shown the yellow card when the ball is next out of play. For any other infringements of this Law: the players concerned are cautioned and shown the yellow card. Restart of Play   If play is stopped by the referee to administer a caution: the match is restarted by an indirect free kick, to be taken by a player of the opposing team from the place where the ball was located when play was stopped. *(see page 3) 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.

• A player must not use equipment or wear anything that is dangerous to himself or another player (including any kind of jewellery).

• All items of jewellery are potentially dangerous. The term “dangerous” can sometimes be ambiguous and controversial, therefore in order to be uniform and consistent any kind of jewellery has to be forbidden.
  
  
• Players are not allowed to use tape to cover jewellery. Taping jewellery is not adequate protection.
  
  
• Rings, earrings, leather or rubber bands are not necessary to play and the only thing they can bring about is injury

.

Basic Equipment
	The basic compulsory equipment of a player is: jersey or shirt; shorts – if thermal undershorts are worn, they are of the same main colour as the shorts; stockings; shinguards; footwear.

Shinguards

are covered entirely by the stockings; are made of a suitable material (rubber, plastic, or similar substances); provide a reasonable degree of protection. Goalkeepers   each goalkeeper wears colours that distinguish him from the other players, the referee and the assistant referees Infringements/Sanctions   For 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 does 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 enters (or re-enters) the field of play without the referee’s permission is cautioned and shown the yellow card.

• 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.

• enforces the Laws of the Game;
  
  
• controls the match in co-operation 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 terminates the match, at his discretion, for any infringements of the Laws;
  
  
• stops, suspends or terminates 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;
  

Powers and Duties

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 assistant referees regarding incidents that he has not seen; ensures that no unauthorised persons enter the field of play; restarts 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 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, provided that he has not restarted play or terminated the match.

• when the whole of the ball has passed out of the field of play;
  
  
• which side 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 has occurred out of the view of the referee;
  
  
• when offences have been committed whenever the assistants are closer to the action than the referee (this includes, in particular circumstances, offences committed in the penalty area);
  
  
• whether, at penalty kicks, the goalkeeper has moved forward before the ball has been kicked and if the ball has crossed the line.

• The assistant referees also assist the referee to control the match in accordance with the Laws of the Game. In particular, they may enter the field of play to help control the 9.15m distance.
  
  
• In the event of undue interference or improper conduct, the referee will relieve an assistant referee of his duties and make a report to the appropriate authorities.
  

• The match lasts two equal periods of 45 minutes, unless otherwise mutually agreed between the referee and the two participating teams.
  
  
• Any agreement to alter the periods of play (for example 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.

• 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.

• substitution(s);
  
  
• assessment of injury to players;

Allowance for Time Lost
	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

• 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.

• 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

all players are in their own half of the field. 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 is stationary on the centre mark. the referee gives a signal. the ball is in play when it is kicked and moves forward. the kicker does not touch the ball a second time until it has touched another player. After a team scores a goal, the kick-off is taken by the other team.

Infringements/Sanctions

If the kicker touches the ball a second time 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 page 3) For any other infringement of the kick-off procedure: the kick-off is retaken. Dropped Ball   A dropped ball is a way of restarting the match after a temporary stoppage that becomes necessary, while the ball is in play, for any reason not mentioned elsewhere in the Laws of the Game.

Procedure
	The referee drops the ball at the place where it was located when play was stopped. * (see page 3) Play restarts when the ball touches the ground.

Infringements/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.

Special Circumstances

A free kick awarded to the defending team inside its own goal area is taken from any point within the goal area. An indirect free kick awarded to the attacking team in its opponents’ goal area is taken from the goal area line parallel to the goal line at the point nearest to where the infringement occurred. A dropped ball to restart the match after play has been temporarily stopped inside the goal area takes place on the goal area line parallel to the goal line at the point nearest to where the ball was located when play was stopped.

• 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.
  
  

• it rebounds from a goalpost, crossbar or corner flagpost and remains in the field of play;
  
  
• it rebounds from either the referee or an assistant referee when they are on the field of play.
  
  

• 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.

• 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.

• Away goals rule;
  
  
• Extra time;
  
  
• Kicks from the penalty mark.
  

• he is nearer to his opponents’ goal line than both the ball and the second last opponent.

• 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.

• 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 or a throw-in or a corner kick

Infringements/Sanctions
	For any offside offence, the referee awards an indirect free kick to the opposing team to be taken from the place where the infringement occurred. * (see page 3)

• 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

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

• tackles an opponent to gain possession of the ball, making contact with the opponent before touching the ball
• 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 where the offence occurred. * (see page 3)

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: takes more than six seconds while controlling the ball with his hands before releasing it from his possession touches the ball again with his hands after it has been released from his possession and has not touched any other 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 a player, in the opinion of the referee: plays in a dangerous manner impedes the progress of an opponent

• 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.

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.

The Indirect Free Kick
	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.

Position of Free Kick

Free Kick Inside the Penalty Area Direct or indirect free kick to the defending team: all opponents are at least 9.15 m (10 yds) from the ball. all opponents remain outside the penalty area until the ball is in play. the ball is in play when it is kicked directly beyond the penalty area. a free kick awarded in the goal area is taken from any point inside that area. Position of Free Kick   Indirect free kick to the attacking team: all opponents are 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 is taken from that part of the goal area line which runs parallel to the goal line, at the point nearest to where the infringement occurred. Free Kick Outside the Penalty Area all opponents are 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. Infringements/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 into play: 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 a second time (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 page 3) 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, the kick to be taken from the place where the infringement occurred * (see page 3) a penalty kick is awarded if the infringement occurred inside the kicker’s penalty area. Infringements/Sanctions   Free kick taken by the goalkeeper If, after the ball is in play, the goalkeeper touches the ball a second time (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 page 3) 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, the kick to be taken from the place where the infringement occurred * (see page 3) an indirect free kick is awarded to the opposing team if the infringement occurred inside the goalkeeper’s penalty area, the kick to be taken from the place where the infringement occurred * (see page 3)

• is placed on the penalty mark.

• is properly identified.

• remains on his goal line, facing the kicker, between the goalposts until the ball has been kicked.

It is an infringement to enter the penalty area before the kick has been taken.

The goalkeeper also infringes the Laws if he moves from his goal line before the ball has been kicked.

Referees must ensure that when players infringe this Law, appropriate action is taken.

A throw-in is a method of restarting play.

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

A throw-in is awarded:

• when the whole of the ball passes over the touch line, either on the ground or in the air;
  
• from the point where it crossed the touch line;
  
• to the opponents of the player who last touched the ball.
  

• faces the field of play;
• has part of each foot either on the touch line or on the ground outside the touch line
• uses both hands
• delivers the ball from behind and over his head

The thrower may not touch the ball again until it has touched another player.

All opponents must stand no less than 2 meters from the point at which the throw-in is taken.

The ball is in play immediately after it enters the field of play.

Infringements/Sanctions

Throw-in taken by a player other than the goalkeeper: If, after the ball is in play, the thrower touches the ball a second time (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 page 3) 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, the kick to be taken from the place where the infringement occurred * (see page 3) 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 a second time (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 page 3) Infringements/Sanctions   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, the kick to be taken from the place where the infringement occurred * (see page 3) an indirect free kick is awarded to the opposing team if the infringement occurred inside the goalkeeper’s penalty area, the kick to be taken from the place where the infringement occurred * (see page 3) If an opponent unfairly distracts or impedes the thrower: he is cautioned for unsporting behaviour and shown the yellow card. For any other infringement of this Law: the throw-in is taken by a player of the opposing team.

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

• 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 does not play the ball a second time until it has touched another player.
  
  
• The ball is in play when it is kicked directly beyond the penalty area.

• the kick is retaken.

Infringements/Sanctions

Goal kick taken by a player other than the goalkeeper: If, after the ball is in play, the kicker touches the ball a second time (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 page 3) 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, the kick to be taken from the place where the infringement occurred * (see page 3) 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 a second time (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 page 3) Infringements/Sanctions   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, the kick to be taken from the place where the infringement occurred *(see page 3) an indirect free kick is awarded to the opposing team if the infringement occurred inside the goalkeeper’s penalty area, the kick to be taken from the place where the infringement occurred * (see page 3) For any other infringement of this Law: the kick is retaken.

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

• The ball is placed inside the corner arc at the nearest corner flagpost.
  
  
• The corner flagpost is not moved.
  
  
• Opponents remain at least 9.15 m (10 yds) from the ball until it is in play.
  
  
• The ball is kicked by a player of the attacking team.
  
  
• The ball is in play when it is kicked and moves.
  
  
• The kicker does not play the ball a second time until it has touched another player.

Corner kick taken by a player other than the goalkeeper:
If, after the ball is in play, the kicker touches the ball a second time (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 page 3)