Football is a simple game but its rules can be somewhat complex. beneath its straightforward surface lies a web of rules that can confuse even the fans.
We know the basics – offside, handballs and fouls – but many lesser-known rules can leave us scratching our heads.
Even if you’re a casual fan or a dedicated supporter, these ten surprising football rules will give you a new admiration for the game’s complexity.
- Football Rules That Will Surprise You
- 1. Coach Playing As A Sub
- 2. Referees Can Be Substituted
- 3. Linesmen Can Issue Cards
- 4. No Offside from a Goal Kick, Corner, or Throw-In
- 5. Substitutes Cannot Take Throw-Ins or Corners
- 6. Goalkeepers Cannot Roll Their Sleeves Up
- 7. Goalkeepers Cannot Re-Pick the Ball
- 8. Linesmen Can Officiate the Match
- 9. Red Cards Before the Match Starts
- 10. No Goal If the Ball is Damaged
Football Rules That Will Surprise You
1. Coach Playing As A Sub
Believe it or not, the coach – the one notorious for barking orders and the occasional curse word from the sidelines – is allowed to dress up and step onto the pitch.
This isn’t some wild idea conjured up during a desperate halftime pep talk, but a legitimate rule in the game.
Take former Juventus star turned Chelsea coach Gianluca Vialli, for example. He didn’t quite retire his playing boots, and would occasionally sub himself into the game to lend a helping foot.
Occasionally, Vialli would sub himself in to lend a hand – or let me say a foot – on the field. It’s a rare sight but perfectly within the rules.
So, next time your team is floundering, don’t be too surprised if the coach decides to teach the players how it’s done.
2. Referees Can Be Substituted
We’ve all seen players and even managers get substituted, but did you know referees can be replaced too?
If the main referee can’t continue due to injury or illness, an assistant referee can step in and take over. This isn’t just a contingency plan; it’s an official FIFA rule.
While it’s not an everyday occurrence, it’s comforting to know there’s a backup plan for the person in charge of maintaining order on the field.
This rule ensures that the game can continue smoothly even if the referee is unable to proceed.
3. Linesmen Can Issue Cards
The linesman, now officially known as the assistant referee, isn’t just there to flag for offside or indicate where the ball went out.
According to FIFA Rule 6, they can also issue cards—if the main referee permits it. This means the assistant ref can book a player for an offense the main referee might have missed.
This means that the assistant ref can make the call to book a player for an offense the main referee might have missed.
This rule strengthens the role of the assistant ref, making them more than just sideline spectators. They are empowered to take immediate action if they spot infractions, ensuring that the game is played fairly and within the rules.
4. No Offside from a Goal Kick, Corner, or Throw-In
Offside is one of the most debatable and often confusing rules in football.
However, there’s an interesting exception to this rule: a player cannot be offside directly from a goal kick, corner, or throw-in. This nuance has caught many a defense off guard, leading to unexpected goals.
Next time you see a player evidently in an offside position during one of these set pieces, remember – it’s perfectly legal.
This exception is a clever twist in the offside rule, designed to encourage attacking play and reduce stoppages. It can catch even the most experienced defenders by surprise, adding an element of unpredictability to set pieces.
5. Substitutes Cannot Take Throw-Ins or Corners
A substitute who has just entered the field cannot take a throw-in or a corner to restart the match.
It’s one of those odd rules that many fans and even some players might not be aware of.
The reasoning behind this is to prevent teams from gaining an immediate tactical advantage with a fresh player taking a set piece.
This rule ensures that teams don’t exploit substitutions to gain an undue advantage. It maintains the balance of play, ensuring that set pieces are taken by players who have been actively involved in the game, rather than a fresh substitute.
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6. Goalkeepers Cannot Roll Their Sleeves Up
Goalkeepers are known for their eccentricities, but there’s one thing they can’t do: roll their sleeves up.
If a goalkeeper starts the game with long sleeves, they must keep them down. Rolling them up is considered an equipment violation and can result in a card.
On the face of it, it’s a trivial rule, but it’s strictly enforced.
The rule is rooted in maintaining uniformity and avoiding any potential distractions or unfair advantages. It may seem like a minor detail, but in a game where every second and every inch counts, it’s a football that is taken seriously.
7. Goalkeepers Cannot Re-Pick the Ball
Once a goalkeeper releases the ball, they cannot pick it up again unless another player has touched it.
This rule prevents goalkeepers from wasting time or gaining an unfair advantage. If a keeper does pick the ball up again, they risk receiving a yellow card. It’s a rule designed to keep the game flowing and ensure fair play.
It prevents time-wasting and encourages goalkeepers to make quick, decisive actions. It also ensures that the ball remains in active play, contributing to the dynamic nature of football.
8. Linesmen Can Officiate the Match
If the main referee cannot continue, the assistant ref can step in and officiate the match.
This isn’t just a backup plan; it’s proof of the rigorous training and knowledge that assistant refs have. They are fully qualified to handle the responsibilities of the main referee, ensuring that the match can proceed smoothly even in unforeseen circumstances.
Assistant refs are not just assistants; they are fully equipped to take on the lead role if required. It ensures that the integrity of the game is maintained, even in the face of unexpected challenges.
9. Red Cards Before the Match Starts
Imagine being sent off before you even set foot on the pitch. It sounds funny but it’s entirely possible.
Players can receive a red card for misconduct during the warm-up or even before getting on the pitch. An unforgettable example is Patrice Evra, who was sent off for kicking a fan before a Europa League match in 2017.
It emphasizes the importance of conduct both on and off the pitch.
Players are expected to uphold the highest standards of behavior, and any infractions can result in severe penalties, even before the game begins.
10. No Goal If the Ball is Damaged
According to FIFA rules a goal cannot be awarded if the ball is damaged when it goes into the net.
The ball must be fully inflated and in good condition.
However, there have been instances where a damaged ball has led to a goal being counted, leading to controversy and debate. One such incident occurred in the Champions League, sparking discussions about the importance of equipment checks and the potential for human error in officiating.
A damaged ball can affect the fairness and integrity of the game, leading to contentious situations.
It draws attention to the need for thorough equipment checks and the attentiveness of officials in ensuring that all aspects of the game adhere to the highest standards.
