If you want to understand the rules of soccer in one place, start here. Football’s rules are called the Laws of the Game, and they are maintained by the International Football Association Board (IFAB). There are 17 of them. Here is a quick tour of what each covers.
- The Field of Play: pitch size, markings, goals.
- The Ball: size, weight, material.
- The Players: numbers, substitutions.
- The Players’ Equipment: shirts, shin guards, safety.
- The Referee: authority and decisions.
- The Other Match Officials: assistants, fourth official, VAR.
- The Duration of the Match: two halves of 45 minutes plus stoppage time.
- The Start and Restart of Play: kick-offs and dropped balls.
- The Ball In and Out of Play.
- Determining the Outcome of a Match: goals, penalties.
- Offside. See our offside guide.
- Fouls and Misconduct: cards and free kicks. See card rules.
- Free Kicks.
- The Penalty Kick.
- The Throw-in.
- The Goal Kick.
- The Corner Kick.
Frequently asked questions
Who writes the rules?
IFAB, made up of the four British associations and FIFA.
How long is a football match?
Ninety minutes, plus stoppage time added by the referee.
Browse more guides in Football Explained.
