Sports Module
Football Rules, Regulations & Terminology
Association football is governed globally by the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA), founded in Paris in 1904, while its rules are determined by the International Football Association Board (IFAB) through the 17 Laws of the Game. A standard regulation football pitch ranges from 100–110 meters in length and 64–75 meters in width for international matches, with a goal measuring 7.32 meters (8 yards) wide and 2.44 meters (8 feet) high. Fundamental rules include Law 11 (Offside), direct and indirect free kicks, penalty kicks (taken from 11 meters / 12 yards), and yellow/red disciplinary cards introduced by Ken Aston at the 1970 FIFA World Cup in Mexico.
Key Concepts & Examination Highlights
- The International Football Association Board (IFAB), founded in 1886, is the sole statutory body responsible for determining the Laws of the Game.
- A regulation penalty kick is awarded for offenses inside the penalty box and taken from the penalty spot 11 meters (12 yards) from the goal line.
- Yellow and red disciplinary cards were officially introduced to football during the 1970 FIFA World Cup in Mexico.
Curriculum & Reference Sources: International Football Association Board (IFAB Laws of the Game), FIFA Handbook, UEFA Technical Reports