⚽ Rules and Regulations
Click on any rule below to read the full explanation.
Each team must have 11 players on the field, including one goalkeeper. A match can continue if a team has a minimum of 7 players. Each team is allowed up to 3 substitutions per match.
A standard football match has two halves of 45 minutes each, with a 15-minute half-time break. Extra time may be added for stoppages. Club matches may use shorter durations.
A foul is called when a player:
- Kicks or trips an opponent
- Jumps at or charges an opponent
- Pushes or holds an opponent
- Handles the ball deliberately (except the goalkeeper)
Fouls result in a free kick for the opposing team.
A yellow card is a warning given for:
- Unsporting behavior
- Time wasting
- Persistent rule-breaking
- Arguing with the referee
Two yellow cards in one match = red card.
A red card means the player is sent off immediately. Reasons include:
- Violent conduct
- Serious foul play
- Offensive or abusive language
- Two yellow cards in one match
The team must continue with one fewer player.
A player is offside if they are closer to the opponent's goal than both the ball and the second-last defender when the ball is played. Offside only results in a foul if the player is actively involved in play.
A penalty kick is awarded when a foul happens inside the penalty area. The kick is taken from the penalty spot (11 metres) from the goal. Only the goalkeeper may defend it.