The latest FIFA 11-a-side football rules 2024

11-a-side football is the most popular sport in the world, attracting billions of fans. To ensure fairness and professionalism, FIFA – the International Football Federation – regularly updates and issues new regulations. This article will provide detailed information about... rules of 11-a-side football The latest version from 2024 helps players and fans understand the important rules of the beautiful game.

Rules of 11-a-side football regarding the playing field.

11-a-side football pitches must comply with the following FIFA regulations:

• Size:
  • Length: 90-120m
  • Width: 45-90m
  • Shape: Rectangle
• Mark the field:
  • Boundary lines: Vertical and horizontal boundary lines, width not exceeding 12cm.
  • The penalty area: The rectangular area in front of each goal.
  • Penalty kick: 11 meters from the goal line
  • Corner arc: A radius of 1 meter at each of the four corners of the field.
  • Technical area: For the coach and substitute players, with seating.
• Playing surface: Flat enough for the ball to roll evenly. This can be natural grass or FIFA-certified artificial turf.
• Goalposts:
  • Dimensions: 7.32m x 2.44m
  • Made from safe materials, posing no danger to players.
• Other areas:
  • Substitute player warm-up area
  • Area for reporters and media

The referee will inspect the pitch before the match to ensure compliance with the above regulations.

Rules regarding the match ball

The official match ball must meet the following standards:

• Shape and material: Spherical, made of leather or other suitable material, resistant to strong impacts.
• Dimensions and weight:
  • Circumference: 68-70 cm
  • Weight: 410-450 grams
• Pressure: 0.6-1.1 atm (atmosphere) at sea level
• Color: Colors that contrast with the surface of the court. Patterns can be used to increase visibility.
• Certification: Must bear the FIFA quality certification mark.
• Test and use:
  • The referee inspects and approves the ball before the match.
  • You may only change the ball with the referee's permission.
  • You need to have at least two spare balls around the field.

A properly fitted ball will ensure fairness and quality in the match.

Regulations regarding the number of players on the field.

Number of official players: Each team has 11 players, including 1 goalkeeper and 10 players in other positions.

Substitute players:

• Maximum number of substitute players: 12
• It is possible to register additional reserve goalkeepers.

Substitution:

• Maximum number of substitutions: 5 per match
• This can be done during a maximum of 3 game stops, not including halftime.
• A player who has left the field may return to play (flexible substitution).

Special case:

• A player who receives a direct red card cannot be substituted.
• The match cannot continue if one team has fewer than 7 players.

Captain: Must wear the captain's armband for identification. Responsible for representing the team and communicating with the referee.

Substitution procedure: The fourth official must be notified. A player may only enter the field after the departing player has completely left the pitch. Substitutions must be approved by the main referee.

Regulations regarding competition attire

The uniforms for 11-a-side football must comply with the following regulations:

• Match jerseys: Clearly marked with numbers on the back, 25-35cm high. Different colors for the two teams and for the referee's uniform. Player names and team logos can be printed on them.
• Shorts: Appropriate length, usually to the knee. Matching the color of the jersey.
• Long socks: Pulled up high, usually to the calf. The color should match the outfit.
• Football boots: No dangerous spikes. Suitable for playing surfaces (natural or artificial grass).
• Shin guards: Mandatory. Must be completely covered by socks.
• Goalkeeper attire: Wear a jersey in a different color than your teammates, opponents, and referees. Caps and gloves are permitted.
• Other regulations:
  • Do not wear jewelry or carry dangerous items.
  • Protective tape can be used if necessary.
  • Advertising on apparel must comply with the tournament regulations.
• Dress code check: The referee will check players' attire before they enter the field. Players who violate the rules must adjust their clothing before being allowed to play.

Laws concerning chief referees and assistant referees

Each match will have:

• 1 main referee
• 2 assistant referees (linesmen)
• 1 fourth official

The main referee has the ultimate decision-making authority and is responsible for:

• Enforce the rules of the game.
• Control the match
• Record the events during the match.
• Measure match time
• Decision to award a free kick or penalty.
• Yellow card, red card

Assistant referees assist the main referee in the following situations:

• The ball went out of bounds.
• Corner kick or goal kick
• Viet Vi
• Substitution

The fourth official oversees the technical area and assists with substitution procedures.

Regulations regarding match duration

Official match times:

• 2 halves, each 45 minutes long
• The game runs continuously, without stopping when the ball is out of play.
• The clock only stops in case of a special incident or at the referee's direction.

Half-time break:

• Maximum 15 minutes
• The length may be adjusted further depending on weather conditions or tournament regulations.
• Players must be in the locker room or designated area.

Injury time:

• As decided by the referee, usually 1-5 minutes per half.
• Based on the duration of the interruption due to:
  • Substitution
  • Assess and move injured players.
  • Deliberate waste of time
  • Other situations that disrupt the match.
• Injury time is announced at the end of each half.

Rules for knockout tournaments:

• If the match ends in a draw after 90 minutes of regular time:
  • Two extra time periods of 15 minutes each will be played.
  • The break between regular time and extra time shall not exceed 5 minutes.
• If the score remains tied after extra time:
  • The winner will be determined by a penalty shootout.
  • Each team takes 5 penalty kicks.
• If the score remains tied, continue playing in pairs until a winner is determined.

The referee's authority:

• It is possible to extend the time of each half to take a penalty kick.
• Decision to suspend the match due to weather or security reasons.
• The match may be canceled if safety conditions are not ensured.

Rules for starting and restarting a match

The match begins with the kick-off from the center of the court:

• The team that wins the coin toss gets to choose which side of the court to toss or to kick off.
• All players must stand in their team's half of the field.
• The opponent is at least 9.15m away from the ball.
• The ball is fixed at the center point.
• The referee blows the whistle to allow the kick-off.
• The ball is in play when it is kicked and moved.

Situations that restart the game include:

• After scoring a goal
• Beginning of the second half
• At the beginning of each extra time period (if any)
• After a temporary suspension due to a technical issue.

Dropping the ball to the ground is done when the referee is forced to temporarily stop the game for a reason not covered by the rules.

Rules regarding in-play and out-of-play balls.

Out of play:

• When the entire ball has crossed the touchline or goal line, whether on the ground or in the air.
• When the referee has blown the whistle to stop the game for any reason
• When the ball touches the referee, it stays in play and:
  • A team starts the attack with promising momentum, or
  • The ball went straight into the goal, or
  • The ball control shifted to the other team.

The ball is in play:

• At all other times when the ball touches the referee, assistant referee, goalpost, crossbar, or corner flag, and remains within the pitch.
• When the ball bounces off the goalpost, crossbar, or corner flag into the pitch.
• When the ball bounces off the referee or assistant referee while they are on the field, except in the special cases mentioned above.

What to do when the ball is out of play:

• If the ball goes out of bounds along the touchline: Take a throw-in to the team that didn't touch the ball last.
• If the ball goes out of bounds:
  • Kick-off if the attacking team touches the ball last.
  • Corner kick if the defending team gets the last touch of the ball.
• If the referee blows the whistle: Direct free kick, indirect free kick, or penalty kick depending on the foul.

Special case:

• If the ball touches a foreign object (such as an animal or a falling object) during play, the referee will stop the game and drop the ball to the ground.
• If there are two balls on the field, the referee must stop the game and remove the illegal ball.

Football goal rules

Conditions for recognizing a goal:

• The entire ball must cross the goal line, between the two goalposts, and under the crossbar.
• The team that scored did not violate any rules immediately before or during the goal.
• A goal is still allowed even if there is outside interference, but the ball has already entered the net.

Determine the goal:

• The referee has the final say.
• Goal-line technology (GLT) can be used to assist in determining goals.
• The referee may consult with the assistant referee or VAR (if available).

Special situation:

• If the goalkeeper throws the ball directly into the opponent's goal, the goal will not be awarded and a goal kick will be given.
• If the referee signals a goal before the ball has completely crossed the goal line, the game will be restarted with a drop ball.

Determine the winning team:

• The team that scores more goals will be the winning team.
• If both teams score the same number of goals or neither team scores, the match ends in a draw.

Rules for knockout tournaments:

• If the match ends in a draw, the following may apply:
  • Extra time: Two additional 15-minute periods.
  • Penalty shootout: Each team takes 5 shots; if the score is still tied, the shootout continues in pairs until a winner is determined.
• The specific rules depend on the regulations of each tournament.

Goal recorded:

• The referee recorded the time of the goal and the goal scorer.
• The match results must be reported to the tournament organizers.

Offside foul in a match

A player is considered offside when:

• Any part of the head, torso, or legs that is closer to the opponent's goal line than the ball and the second-to-last opposing player.
• Touch the ball or obstruct the opponent.
• Gain an advantage from that location.

Cases where there is no offside:

• In their own half of the field
• Level with the last second-to-last opposing player.
• Level with the last two opposing players
• Receive the ball directly from a goal kick, throw-in, or corner kick.

The moment of determining offside:

• Offside is determined at the moment the ball is touched or played by a teammate.
• Offside does not apply to subsequent movements of the player.

A player in an offside position is only penalized if they actively participate in the play by:

• Interfering with the game.
• Interfering with the opponent.
• Take advantage of that location.

Penalties for offside:

• An indirect free kick at the location where the foul occurred.
• If a foul occurs in the goal area, a free kick will be taken from the nearest goal line.

The roles of referees and assistant referees:

• The assistant referee's main responsibility is to detect offside.
• The main referee makes the final decision based on the signal from the assistant referee.

The offside rule is one of the most complex rules in football, requiring intense concentration from both players and referees.

Fouls and unsportsmanlike conduct in 11-a-side football.

In 11-a-side football, fouls and unsportsmanlike conduct are clearly defined by FIFA to ensure fairness and safety in the game. Below are the main types of fouls and their corresponding penalties:

Direct free kicks in 11-a-side football.

Fouls that result in a direct free kick penalty include:

• Kick or find a way to kick the opponent.
• Playing dirty or attacking the opponent
• Jump at the opponent
• Push the opponent
• Hit or attempt to hit the opponent.
• Dangerous ball-stealing
• Hinder the opponent through contact.
• Spit at the other person.
• Intentional handball (except for goalkeepers in the penalty area)

Penalty: A direct free kick will be taken at the location where the foul occurred. If the foul occurs inside the penalty area, a penalty kick will be awarded.

Football fouls resulting in penalties.

A penalty kick is awarded when a player commits a direct foul inside their own penalty area. Fouls that result in a penalty kick are similar to those that lead to a free kick, including:

• All offenses are listed in the direct penalty section.
• Intentional handball in the penalty area (except for the goalkeeper)
• Preventing a clear scoring opportunity by committing a foul inside the penalty area.

Penalty: A penalty kick from the penalty spot, 11 meters from the goal line.

Indirect foul in 11-a-side football rules

An indirect free kick is taken when a player:

• Dangerous play: Kicking the ball too high near the opponent. Bending too low to head the ball close to the opponent's feet.
• Blocking the opponent without contact: Running between the opponent and the ball to block them. Using your body to shield the ball without controlling it.
• Preventing the opposing goalkeeper from kicking the ball: Obstructing the goalkeeper from dropping or taking a kick-off. Harassing the goalkeeper while they have possession of the ball.
• Other fouls: Playing the ball while lying on the ground. Committing any other foul not mentioned above that the referee deems warranting a stoppage of play.

Penalty: An indirect free kick at the location where the foul occurred.

Yellow card fouls in 11-a-side football rules.

A player receives a yellow card when:

• There was unsportsmanlike conduct.
• Protesting a referee's decision verbally or physically.
• Repeated violations of the law
• Delay the restart of the match.
• Failure to maintain the required distance during free kicks, corner kicks, or throw-ins.
• Entering or returning to the field without the referee's permission.
• Deliberately leaving the field without the referee's permission.

Penalty: The player receives a yellow card and the team is awarded an indirect free kick.

The offense resulted in a red card.

A player is shown a red card and forced to leave the field when:

• Serious error:
  • There is a serious error that could endanger the opponent.
  • Tackling with both feet and force.
• Violent behavior:
  • There is violent behavior such as hitting or kicking an opponent when not contesting for the ball.
  • Throwing objects at opponents or referees with force.
• Serious unsportsmanlike conduct:
  • Spitting at an opponent or any other person
  • Using offensive or seriously insulting language or gestures.
• Preventing scoring opportunities:
  • Preventing a clear scoring opportunity for the opponent through foul play.
  • Handball is an illegal act to prevent a goal (except for the goalkeeper inside the penalty area).
• Receiving a second yellow card: Receiving a second yellow card in the same match.

Penalty:

• The player was sent off and is not allowed to return to play.
• The team had to play with ten men for the remainder of the match.
• Depending on the foul, the opposing team may be awarded a direct free kick, an indirect free kick, or a penalty kick.

How to avoid fouls in 11-a-side football.

To avoid committing fouls in football, players should:

• Master the law: Understand the regulations to avoid unintentional violations.
• Focus on the ball: When contesting, aim for the ball, not the person.
• Control your emotions: Avoid overreacting or retaliating against the other person.
• Technical training: Improve your ball control to avoid dangerous tackles.
• Improve physical fitness: Good physical fitness helps maintain focus and avoid collisions caused by fatigue.
• Communicate with teammates: Announce your location to avoid unnecessary collisions.
• Respect your opponent: Play fairly and appropriately.
• Listen to the referee: Obey the referee's decisions and warnings.
• Learn from mistakes: Analyze past errors to avoid repeating them.
• Stay calm: Don't let the pressure of the match affect your judgment.

Rules regarding free kicks on the field.

There are two main types of free kicks in 11-a-side football:

Free kicks:

• Performed at the location where the error occurred.
• It is possible to score a goal directly.
• Opponents must stand at least 9.15 meters away from the ball.
• Perform the action within 6 seconds of the referee's signal.

Indirect free kick:

• Performed at the location where the error occurred.
• Cannot score directly (must touch another player before going into the goal)
• Opponents must stand at least 9.15 meters away from the ball.
• The referee raises his hand until the ball is touched by a second player.

In both cases:

• The ball must remain stationary when taking a free kick.
• The player taking the shot is not allowed to touch the ball a second time until the ball touches another player.

Football penalty rules

A penalty kick is awarded when:

• A player commits a direct foul inside his own penalty area.
• The referee awarded a penalty kick.

Procedure:

• The ball is placed on the penalty spot (11 meters from the goal line).
• The player who took the penalty has been clearly identified.
• The goalkeeper must stand on the goal line between the two goalposts.
• Other players must:
  • Outside the penalty area
  • The ball should be placed at least 9.15 meters away from the ball's position.
  • Stand behind the ball placement point.
• The referee gives the signal to proceed.
• The player taking the kick must kick the ball forward.
• You are not allowed to touch the ball a second time until it touches another player.

If a violation occurs during the penalty kick, the referee may order a retake or change the decision depending on the specific situation.

Throw-in rules

A throw-in is taken when:

• The entire ball crossed the touchline.
• The team that didn't touch the ball last gets a throw-in.

Procedure:

• The pitcher stands facing the court.
• Part of each foot must touch the ground, either on or behind the sideline.
• Use both hands
• Throw the ball from behind and over the head.
• The ball is in play when it enters the playing field.

Note:

• It is not possible to score directly from a throw-in.
• The opponent must stand at least 2 meters away from the throwing point.
• The pitcher is not allowed to touch the ball a second time until it touches another player.

Serving rules

The serve is made when:

• The entire ball crossed the goal line.
• Last touch by the attacking team.

Procedure:

• The ball can be placed anywhere within the goal area.
• Only one player from the defending team is allowed to kick the ball.
• The opposing team must remain outside the penalty area until the ball is put into play.
• The player taking the kick is not allowed to touch the ball a second time until it touches another player.
• The ball is in play when it is kicked and moved.

Note:

• It is possible to score directly from a goal kick.
• If the ball does not leave the penalty area, the goal kick must be retaken.

Corner kick rules

A corner kick is taken when:

• The entire ball crossed the goal line.
• Last touched by the defending team.

Procedure:

• The ball is placed in the nearest corner area.
• The corner flagpole must not be moved.
• Opponent players must stand at least 9.15 meters away from the corner circle until the ball is in play.
• The ball was kicked by a player from the attacking team.
• The ball is in play when it is kicked and moved.
• The player taking the kick is not allowed to touch the ball a second time until it touches another player.

Note: It is possible to score directly from a corner kick.

Rules for goalkeepers in 11-a-side football.

Goalkeepers have certain privileges within their own penalty area:

• Hand touches are permitted.
• No penalty for holding the ball for more than 6 seconds.
• There is no penalty for obstructing an opponent while in possession of the ball.
• Enjoy protection while holding or controlling the ball.

However, goalkeepers still have to abide by certain rules:

• Hand contact is prohibited when: The ball is passed back to you by a teammate; or you receive the ball directly from a teammate's throw-in.
• Do not hold the ball for more than 6 seconds before releasing it.
• After dropping the ball, you are not allowed to touch it with your hands until it touches another player.
• A kick-off may not be taken directly over the halfway line without touching the ground or a player in the home half.

Violating these rules will result in an indirect free kick for the opposing team.

Conclude

FIFA's 2024 11-a-side football rules have introduced many changes aimed at making the game fairer, safer, and more exciting. Understanding these regulations not only helps players avoid fouls but also improves the quality of play. For fans, a thorough understanding of the rules allows them to enjoy the match more fully.

However, it's important to note that the rules of football can always be adjusted from season to season. Therefore, players, coaches, and fans should regularly update themselves on the latest changes from FIFA to ensure their knowledge remains up-to-date.

Ultimately, no matter how the rules change, sportsmanship, respect for opponents, and passion for the beautiful game will always remain the core values of football. Enjoy this beautiful game with fair play and give your all on the pitch!