Football, known as the beautiful game, is full of excitement, drama, and passion. Most fans think they know the rules inside out, but hidden beneath the surface are some truly surprising and strange regulations that even die-hard supporters might not know. Here are ten football rules that will make you look at the game with fresh eyes.
1. You Can’t Score an Own Goal from a Free Kick or Throw-In
Imagine a defender accidentally sending the ball back towards their own goal from a free kick or throw-in. You might think it’s an own goal, but that’s not what the rules say. If this happens, the goal doesn’t count. Instead, the opposing team is awarded a corner kick. This odd rule has even caused confusion among professional players and fans alike.
2. No Offside from a Throw-In, Corner, or Goal Kick
The offside rule is one of football’s most debated topics. But did you know that you cannot be offside if you receive the ball directly from a throw-in, corner kick, or goal kick? This exception often surprises fans and can create unexpected attacking opportunities.
3. Goalkeeper’s Six-Second Rule
Goalkeepers are only allowed to hold the ball in their hands for six seconds. While referees rarely enforce this strictly, it’s still part of the official rules. If a keeper holds the ball for longer, the other team gets an indirect free kick. This rule keeps the game moving and prevents time-wasting.
4. The Keeper Can’t Pick Up the Ball Twice
If a goalkeeper releases the ball from their hands, they cannot pick it up again until another player has touched it. If they do, the opposing team is awarded an indirect free kick. This rule is designed to stop keepers from wasting time and to keep the game flowing.
5. No Cheating the Back Pass Rule
Players sometimes try to get around the back pass rule by flicking the ball up and heading or chesting it back to the goalkeeper. However, referees can penalize this if they think it’s a deliberate trick to get around the rule. The intention is to prevent time-wasting and keepers from picking up the ball too easily.
6. A Goal Kick Must Leave the Penalty Area
When a goal kick is taken, the ball must leave the 18-yard box before it can be touched by another player. If it doesn’t, the kick is retaken. This rule ensures that play restarts fairly and prevents confusion in the penalty area.
7. Equal Numbers in Penalty Shootouts
During a penalty shootout, both teams must have the same number of players. If one team had a player sent off during the match, the other team must reduce their numbers for the shootout. This keeps things fair and balanced, even if it means leaving out a star player.
8. Only Goalkeepers Can Wear Tracksuit Bottoms
It might sound strange, but only goalkeepers are allowed to wear tracksuit bottoms during a match. This is because they often have to dive on hard or wet ground, and the extra protection helps prevent injuries. Outfield players must stick to shorts.
9. The Double-Touch Rule
When taking a free kick, corner, or penalty, the player who kicks the ball cannot touch it again until another player has touched it. If they do, it’s a foul, and the other team gets an indirect free kick. This rule stops players from gaining an unfair advantage by quickly playing the ball twice.
10. Minimum Seven Players to Start a Match
A football team must have at least seven players on the field to start or continue a match. If a team drops below this number due to injuries or red cards, the game is abandoned. This ensures that matches are played fairly and safely.
Why Do These Rules Exist?
These strange rules might seem confusing, but they all have a purpose. Most are designed to keep the game fair, prevent time-wasting, and ensure safety for everyone on the pitch. While some rules are rarely enforced or seen in action, they can lead to surprising moments when they do come into play.
Football’s laws are constantly evolving, and what seems odd today might become normal tomorrow. For fans, knowing these weird rules adds another layer of fun and appreciation for the sport. Next time you watch a match, keep an eye out-you might just spot one of these surprising rules in action!
Football is more than just goals and tackles; it’s a game shaped by quirky rules and unexpected moments. That’s what makes it endlessly fascinating for fans of all ages.
With inputs from agencies
Image Source: Multiple agencies
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