Football is a simple but very dynamic game with basic rules that all players and managers must understand. Although the rules may seem straightforward at first glance, they are essential for the smooth running of the game. Here is an overview of the most important football rules:
01
Objective of the game
The goal of a football game is to score more goals than the opponent. The game lasts 90 minutes, divided into two halves of 45 minutes, with a 15-minute break. The team with the most goals wins.
02
Players and formation
Team: Each team consists of 11 players, including one goalkeeper.
Roles: Each player has a specific role on the field, such as defenders, midfielders, and forwards.
Substitutions: In most leagues, three substitutions are allowed per game, although in some cases, the number of substitutions may increase (e.g., during extra time).
03
Playing with the ball
Goal: A goal is scored when the ball completely crosses the goal line between the two posts and beneath the crossbar.
Allowed Play: Players may use their feet, head, chest, and shoulders. Only the goalkeeper is allowed to use their hands, but only within their own penalty area.
04
Offside rule
One of the most complicated but crucial parts of the game:
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A player is in an offside position if they are closer to the opponent's goal than the second-last defender and the ball at the moment the pass is made.
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Penalties for offside include an indirect free kick for the opposing team.
05
Free kicks and penalties
Free Kick: Awarded to a team if a foul is committed (e.g., a foul, handball). There are two types of free kicks:
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Indirect Free Kick: The ball must be passed to a teammate before a goal can be scored.
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Direct Free Kick: The player can shoot directly at the goal.
Penalty Kick: If a player commits a foul inside their own penalty area, the opposing team is awarded a penalty kick, taken from 11 meters from the goal.​
06
Fouls and penalties
Fouls: A foul is awarded for improper physical play (e.g., tripping, holding, rough play) or handball (except for the goalkeeper in the penalty area).
Yellow Card: A warning to a player for breaking the rules (rough play, simulation).
Red Card: A player is sent off. It is given for serious fouls or after receiving two yellow cards. The team must continue playing with one player fewer.
07
Throw-ins, corners, and own Goals
Throw-in: When the ball leaves the field along the sideline, the opposing team is awarded a throw-in.​
Corner: If the ball leaves the field over the goal line, the opposing team is awarded a corner kick (if it was last touched by a defender) or a goal kick (if it was last touched by an attacker).​
Own Goal: If a player accidentally sends the ball into their own goal, it counts as a goal for the opposing team.
08
The goalkeeper's role
The goalkeeper is the team's last line of defense and the only player allowed to use their hands:
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Use of Hands: The goalkeeper may use their hands only in their penalty area. Outside of this area, they must play with their feet, like other players.
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Clearing the Ball: The goalkeeper can clear or pass the ball using their hands or feet but must be careful not to violate the rules (e.g., holding the ball for too long).
09
The referee
The referee is the main authority on the field:
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Decisions: The referee controls the game and decides on fouls, free kicks, and penalties.
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Assistant Referees: Assistant referees (linesmen) monitor the sidelines and signal fouls, throw-ins, and offside positions.
10
Extra time and penalty shootouts
Extra Time: If the game is tied and a winner is required (e.g., in cup competitions), two additional halves of 15 minutes each are played after 90 minutes.
Penalty Shootouts: If the score is still tied after extra time, the winner is decided by penalty shootouts. Each team takes five shots, and the team with the most goals wins.
