Football, known as soccer in some countries, is the world’s most popular sport, captivating millions of players and fans across every continent. While its essence is simple — score more goals than the opponent — the game is governed by a detailed set of rules and regulations designed to ensure fairness, safety, and consistency. These guidelines are set and maintained by the International Football Association Board (IFAB) and are implemented worldwide in both amateur and professional matches.
A standard football field is rectangular, with dimensions typically ranging from 100–110 meters in length and 64–75 meters in width for professional matches. The field is divided into two halves, each containing a penalty area, goal area, and a center circle. Clear markings ensure all boundaries and key areas are visible for both players and referees.
A football match consists of two halves, each lasting 45 minutes, with a 15-minute halftime break. The referee may add stoppage time at the end of each half to account for delays such as injuries, substitutions, or time-wasting. In knockout competitions, if scores are level, the game may go into extra time (two halves of 15 minutes each) and possibly a penalty shoot-out.
Each team must start with no more than 11 players, including the goalkeeper, and no fewer than 7. Substitutions are permitted, with the number varying depending on competition rules — generally three in most matches, though tournaments like the FIFA World Cup currently allow five.
The match begins with a kick-off at the center of the field. Restarts occur after goals, fouls, the ball going out of play, or stoppages ordered by the referee. Common restarts include:
A goal is scored when the entire ball crosses the goal line between the posts and under the crossbar, provided no infringement has been committed during the play.
The offside rule prevents attacking players from gaining an unfair advantage by being too close to the opponent’s goal. A player is in an offside position if they are nearer to the opponent’s goal line than both the ball and the second-last defender at the moment the ball is played to them, unless they are in their own half or receiving the ball directly from certain restarts.
Fouls include actions such as tripping, pushing, holding, handling the ball deliberately (except by the goalkeeper in their own area), and dangerous tackles. Misconduct may result in a yellow card (caution) or a red card (sending off), depending on the severity of the offense.
The referee is the ultimate authority on the field, responsible for enforcing the rules, keeping time, and ensuring fair play. Assistant referees and, in some competitions, the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) support decision-making.
The rules and regulations of football provide a clear framework that keeps the game structured, competitive, and safe. Whether it’s a local school match or the FIFA World Cup final, the same fundamental laws apply, ensuring that football remains the beautiful game admired around the globe.
Q1. What is the standard duration of a football match?
A football match is 90 minutes long, split into two halves of 45 minutes each, with a 15-minute halftime break. Stoppage time may be added for delays.
Q2. How many players are allowed on a football team?
Each team can have a maximum of 11 players, including the goalkeeper, and must have at least 7 players to continue the match.
Q3. What is the offside rule in football?
A player is offside if they are closer to the opponent’s goal than the second-last defender when the ball is played to them, unless certain exceptions apply.
Q4. Can a goalkeeper touch the ball outside their penalty area?
No, goalkeepers can only handle the ball within their own penalty area. Outside this zone, they must play like an outfield player.
Q5. What actions are considered fouls in football?
Fouls include tripping, pushing, holding, deliberate handball, dangerous tackles, and any unsporting behavior that affects fair play.
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