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.
FROM THE TOUCHLINE
football laws
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 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.
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.
Football Rules
Why Some Accidental Handballs Stop Play and Others Do Not
Separate deliberate handball, an unnaturally bigger body and the scorer’s accidental contact when watching a disputed football goal.
Football Rules
When the Ball Hits the Referee, Play Does Not Always Continue
Referee contact does not always stop football. Three outcomes determine when Law 9 requires a dropped-ball restart.
Reading the game
At Kick-Off, Watch the Positions Before the First Pass
Understand the positions and first touch at a football kick-off, then use them to follow the opening tactical choices without confusing them with the law.
Football Rules
A Throw-In Has Rules for the Feet as Well as the Hands
Watch the thrower’s feet, position and delivery to understand why a throw-in may be retaken by the other team under IFAB Law 15.
Football Explained
Why a Goalkeeper Cannot Always Pick Up a Teammate’s Pass
Follow the goalkeeper handling rule through deliberate teammate kicks, throw-ins and the exception for a genuine attempt to kick the ball into play.