Football Rules
Why the technical area has room for a team but one tactical voice
The technical area has rules for its occupants, boundaries and tactical instructions. Learn what to watch before interpreting a busy football bench.
FROM THE TOUCHLINE
Journal
Football Rules
Offside after a defender’s touch: deliberate play is different from a deflection
A defender’s touch does not automatically reset offside. Read the difference between deliberate play, a deflection and a deliberate save in the Laws.
Football Rules
After an injury, treatment and return to the pitch follow different rules
Follow the separate decisions around an injured footballer: stopping play, allowing treatment, leaving the field and receiving permission to return.
Laws of the Game
A goal celebration can earn a booking even when the goal is disallowed
Why a yellow card for an illegal goal celebration can remain after the goal is ruled out, with a simple match sequence to follow.
Laws of the Game
When a goalpost or crossbar breaks, the referee needs a safe goal
A broken crossbar is more than a delay to the score. See why the referee stops play and why a makeshift replacement cannot simply be accepted.
Laws of the Game
A quick free kick does not always earn a retake when an opponent is nearby
A quick free kick can be intercepted by a nearby opponent without a retake. Learn how IFAB distinguishes interception from deliberately blocking the restart.
Laws of the Game
Football kit colours have to separate more than the two teams
Kit clashes involve outfield players, goalkeepers and match officials. Understand the colour checks behind a match that is easy to follow.
Laws of the Game
Football’s accessory check changed in 2026: safety still decides what can stay
The 2026/27 football laws changed the wording on accessories. Understand why covering an item does not automatically make it acceptable to wear.
Reading the game
Playing advantage does not erase every disciplinary decision
Follow the foul and the later disciplinary decision separately when a referee plays advantage, including the current exceptions in IFAB Law 12.