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Laws of the Game: Football's Rules Explained Clearly

Football's Laws of the Game decide every offside flag, penalty and red card, yet most fans only half know them. This hub breaks down the rules set by the International Football Association Board (IFAB) in plain English. It is written for supporters, players, parents and grassroots referees who want to understand what the referee decided and why.

Offside and handball explained

These guides cover the two laws that spark the most arguments, including how VAR applies them and where the lines are actually drawn.

Fouls, free kicks and penalties

Learn how referees judge contact, when a free kick is direct or indirect, and which rules govern a penalty kick from run-up to rebound.

Cards and discipline

See what earns a yellow or red card, how competitions handle accumulated cautions, and where a careless challenge becomes serious foul play.

Time, substitutions and equipment

Find the rules on match duration, added time, extra time and substitutions, plus the pitch and kit requirements that apply at every level of the game.

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