European football, commonly known as soccer in some countries, is governed by the International Football Association Board (IFAB) and follows the Laws of the Game. Understanding these rules can enhance your enjoyment of the sport, whether you’re a devoted fan or new to the game. This comprehensive guide covers all the essential rules of European football, from the basics of gameplay to specific regulations.
The Basics of Football (Soccer)
The Field: A football pitch is rectangular, with a length of 100-110 meters and a width of 64-75 meters. It is marked with lines for the penalty area, goal area, and center circle.
Objective: The objective is to score more goals than the opposing team by getting the ball into their net.
Match Duration: A standard match consists of two 45-minute halves, with a 15-minute halftime break. Additional time may be added for stoppages.
The Gameplay
Teams: Each team has 11 players, including one goalkeeper. Substitutions are allowed during the match, with a maximum of three substitutions per team.
Kickoff: The game starts with a kickoff from the center circle. After a goal is scored, the team that conceded kicks off.
Ball In and Out of Play: The ball is out of play when it fully crosses the touchline or goal line, or when the game is stopped by the referee. It is in play at all other times.
Offside: 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 opponent, unless they are in their own half. Being in an offside position is not an offense unless involved in active play.
Fouls and Misconduct
Direct Free Kick: Awarded for a foul or handball. A goal can be scored directly from a direct free kick.
Indirect Free Kick: Awarded for non-foul infractions like offside or dangerous play. A goal can only be scored if another player touches the ball before it enters the goal.
Penalty Kick: Awarded for a foul inside the penalty area. The kick is taken from the penalty spot, with only the goalkeeper to beat.
Yellow and Red Cards: Used to discipline players for misconduct. Two yellow cards equal a red card, and a red card results in ejection from the match.
Free Kicks and Penalty Kicks
Free Kicks: Taken from the spot of the foul. Players must be at least 9.15 meters away from the ball.
Penalty Kicks: Taken from the penalty spot, 11 meters from the goal line. Only the goalkeeper and the kicker are allowed in the penalty area during a penalty kick.
Throw-Ins, Goal Kicks, and Corner Kicks
Throw-In: Awarded when the opposing team plays the ball over the touchline. The ball is thrown in from the point where it crossed the line.
Goal Kick: Awarded when the attacking team plays the ball over the goal line. The ball is kicked from anywhere within the goal area.
Corner Kick: Awarded when the defending team plays the ball over their own goal line. The ball is placed within the corner arc nearest to where it went out.
Match Officials
Referee: The main official who enforces the Laws of the Game, makes decisions on fouls, and keeps time.
Assistant Referees: Assist the referee in making decisions, particularly regarding offside and when the ball goes out of play.
VAR (Video Assistant Referee): Used in some competitions to review decisions made by the on-field officials.
Understanding these rules is crucial for fully appreciating and enjoying European football. As you watch or play the game, keep these guidelines in mind to deepen your understanding of this globally beloved sport.
