Laws of the Game
Can a team score directly from a throw-in? Follow where the ball goes next
A throw-in cannot score a goal directly. Learn how the restart changes and why the next touch matters when watching a long throw.
FROM THE TOUCHLINE
Journal
Laws of the Game
Feinting in a penalty run-up is different from feinting the kick itself
Understand the distinction between a permitted penalty run-up feint and an illegal feint after the run-up, using the IFAB law rather than a replay impression.
Laws of the Game
What happens when a football loses pressure during play?
Learn how IFAB Law 2 handles a defective ball in open play, at a restart and during a penalty, and why the referee controls its replacement.
Laws in Practice
Why Teams May Reduce Their Numbers Before a Penalty Shoot-Out
Understand the equal-number requirement before and during a football penalty shoot-out, including what an excluded player means.
Understanding Football
A Football Captain Wears an Armband, Not a Different Set of Laws
Understand what a football captain’s armband signifies, how it relates to team conduct and why referee-contact protocols need competition context.
Reading the Match
A Substitution Is Not Complete When the Board Goes Up
Follow the key moments of a football substitution, from the official’s signal to the substitute entering with permission, using the applicable competition rules.
Understanding Football
Two Yellow Cards and a Straight Red Leave Different Disciplinary Records
Follow the difference between a second caution and a direct sending-off, without assuming that every red card produces the same suspension.
Football Rules
Why an Assistant Referee Sometimes Waits Before Raising the Flag
Understand the delayed flag in VAR matches and why an assistant referee may let a clear attacking situation develop before signalling.
Football Rules
Three Restarts Where Receiving the Ball Directly Is Not Offside
Goal kicks, throw-ins and corners have a direct-reception offside exception. Follow the next touch to see when the normal offside question returns.