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Football · Level 10: Professional · Sub-level 10.104

IFAB & Laws of the Game

10 tests · 100 facts · updated 12 October 2026 · markdown

How the Laws are made and changed: the IFAB's founding and reform, the yearly cycle, the 2016-17 rewrite, the 2019-20 changes, Laws changed by famous incidents, concussion rules, kit and inclusion, and the trials of recent years.

Each test below is ten questions on Insporta. The list under a test is what the questions check: one fact per question, with the source it was written from. Read it before the test, or come back from a wrong answer.

Test 1The IFAB's founding and membersTake a test

  1. The four British associations met at the FA's offices to agree one set of Laws.

    Source: IFAB Laws of the Game 2025/26 and IFAB circulars; IFAB history and statutes · recall

  2. FIFA did not yet exist; it was founded in 1904.

    Source: IFAB Laws of the Game 2025/26 and IFAB circulars; IFAB history and statutes · recall

  3. FIFA's voting weight grew later, reaching its present form in 1958.

    Source: IFAB Laws of the Game 2025/26 and IFAB circulars; IFAB history and statutes · recall

  4. A Law change needs six of the eight votes, so neither side can pass one alone.

    Source: IFAB Laws of the Game 2025/26 and IFAB circulars; IFAB history and statutes · recall

  5. The reform also created advisory panels of former players, coaches and referees.

    Source: IFAB Laws of the Game 2025/26 and IFAB circulars; IFAB history and statutes · recall

  6. Elleray is the technical director; Collina and Busacca have led FIFA's refereeing.

    Source: IFAB Laws of the Game 2025/26 and IFAB circulars; IFAB history and statutes · recall

  7. The football panel includes former players and coaches; the technical one includes referees and experts.

    Source: IFAB Laws of the Game 2025/26 and IFAB circulars; IFAB history and statutes · recall

  8. 1886, 1913, 1958 and 2014.

    Source: IFAB Laws of the Game 2025/26 and IFAB circulars; IFAB history and statutes · recall

  9. 1863, 1886, 1904 and 1954.

    Source: IFAB Laws of the Game 2025/26 and IFAB circulars; IFAB history and statutes · recall

  10. Its offices are in Zurich, the same city as FIFA's headquarters.

    Source: IFAB Laws of the Game 2025/26 and IFAB circulars; IFAB history and statutes · recall

Test 2How a Law is made and publishedTake a test

  1. The autumn business meeting prepares the agenda; the vote comes at the AGM.

    Source: IFAB Laws of the Game 2025/26 and IFAB circulars; IFAB history and statutes · recall

  2. They appear in English, French, German and Spanish.

    Source: IFAB Laws of the Game 2025/26 and IFAB circulars; IFAB history and statutes · recall

  3. The Laws say that the English text is the authoritative one.

    Source: IFAB Laws of the Game 2025/26 and IFAB circulars; IFAB history and statutes · recall

  4. Shorter matches, return substitutions and temporary dismissals are among the allowed changes.

    Source: IFAB Laws of the Game 2025/26 and IFAB circulars; IFAB history and statutes · recall

  5. Trials such as sin bins or kick-ins ran only with the Board's permission and under set conditions.

    Source: IFAB Laws of the Game 2025/26 and IFAB circulars; IFAB history and statutes · applied

  6. The protocol is part of the Laws book, so VAR works the same way in every competition that uses it.

    Source: IFAB Laws of the Game 2025/26 and IFAB circulars; IFAB history and statutes · recall

  7. The explanations help referees and coaches understand what changed and why.

    Source: IFAB Laws of the Game 2025/26 and IFAB circulars; IFAB history and statutes · recall

  8. Proposals are discussed and prepared before the vote; approved changes apply from 1 July.

    Source: IFAB Laws of the Game 2025/26 and IFAB circulars; IFAB history and statutes · applied

  9. Laws 11, 12, 14 and 17.

    Source: IFAB Laws of the Game 2025/26 and IFAB circulars; IFAB history and statutes · recall

  10. Competitions that start before 1 July may bring changes in at the start of their next season.

    Source: IFAB Laws of the Game 2025/26 and IFAB circulars; IFAB history and statutes · recall

Test 3The 2016-17 rewrite of the LawsTake a test

  1. Elleray had refereed the 1994 FA Cup final and taught at Harrow School.

    Source: IFAB Laws of the Game 2025/26 and IFAB circulars; IFAB history and statutes · recall

  2. Before 2016 the ball had to move forward, so a second player stood next to the kicker.

    Source: IFAB Laws of the Game 2025/26 and IFAB circulars; IFAB history and statutes · recall

  3. The change ended the 'triple punishment' of a penalty, a sending-off and a suspension.

    Source: IFAB Laws of the Game 2025/26 and IFAB circulars; IFAB history and statutes · recall

  4. Before, the injured player had to leave the field while the offender's team kept eleven.

    Source: IFAB Laws of the Game 2025/26 and IFAB circulars; IFAB history and statutes · recall

  5. Serious misconduct before the match, even in the warm-up, can now bring a red card.

    Source: IFAB Laws of the Game 2025/26 and IFAB circulars; IFAB history and statutes · recall

  6. David Elleray's rewrite removed about 10,000 words and resolved contradictions, the most comprehensive revision in the IFAB's history.

    Source: IFAB Laws of the Game 2025/26 and IFAB circulars; IFAB history and statutes · applied

  7. The Laws cannot cover every situation, so the referee is asked to act in the spirit of the game.

    Source: IFAB Laws of the Game 2025/26 and IFAB circulars; IFAB history and statutes · applied

  8. The 2016-17 Laws removed the sending-off when the defender tried to play the ball.

    Source: IFAB Laws of the Game 2025/26 and IFAB circulars; IFAB history and statutes · applied

  9. Since 2016-17 a player can be sent off from the moment the referee inspects the field.

    Source: IFAB Laws of the Game 2025/26 and IFAB circulars; IFAB history and statutes · recall

  10. Kicking the ball backwards came later, with the 2016-17 rewrite.

    Source: IFAB Laws of the Game 2025/26 and IFAB circulars; IFAB history and statutes · recall

Test 4The 2019-20 changes at set pieces and substitutionsTake a test

  1. With only two defenders side by side, the attackers' distance rule does not apply.

    Source: IFAB Laws of the Game 2025/26 and IFAB circulars; IFAB history and statutes · recall

  2. The change allowed the keeper to step forward with one foot.

    Source: IFAB Laws of the Game 2025/26 and IFAB circulars; IFAB history and statutes · recall

  3. The rule was brought in to stop time-wasting late in matches.

    Source: IFAB Laws of the Game 2025/26 and IFAB circulars; IFAB history and statutes · recall

  4. Before 2019 the toss winner chose an end and the other team kicked off.

    Source: IFAB Laws of the Game 2025/26 and IFAB circulars; IFAB history and statutes · recall

  5. Attackers standing in the wall caused scuffles and delays.

    Source: IFAB Laws of the Game 2025/26 and IFAB circulars; IFAB history and statutes · applied

  6. The offence is by the attacking side, so the defenders restart.

    Source: IFAB Laws of the Game 2025/26 and IFAB circulars; IFAB history and statutes · recall

  7. Keepers were constantly stepping forward and referees rarely penalised it.

    Source: IFAB Laws of the Game 2025/26 and IFAB circulars; IFAB history and statutes · applied

  8. The distances apply until the ball is in play.

    Source: IFAB Laws of the Game 2025/26 and IFAB circulars; IFAB history and statutes · applied

  9. Laws 3, 8, 13 and 14.

    Source: IFAB Laws of the Game 2025/26 and IFAB circulars; IFAB history and statutes · recall

  10. The 9.15-metre distance applies to the wall itself, not to the attackers beside it.

    Source: IFAB Laws of the Game 2025/26 and IFAB circulars; IFAB history and statutes · recall

Test 5Law changes after famous incidentsTake a test

  1. Mbappé was offside, but Eric García's touch was judged a deliberate play that reset it.

    Source: IFAB Laws of the Game 2025/26 and IFAB circulars; IFAB history and statutes · recall

  2. Additional assistant referees were trialled in the Europa League that season.

    Source: IFAB Laws of the Game 2025/26 and IFAB circulars; IFAB history and statutes · recall

  3. The IFAB approved them for permanent use in 2012.

    Source: IFAB Laws of the Game 2025/26 and IFAB circulars; IFAB history and statutes · recall

  4. A save or a stretching block is not a 'deliberate play' for offside purposes.

    Source: IFAB Laws of the Game 2025/26 and IFAB circulars; IFAB history and statutes · applied

  5. Contact with the shoulder above that line is not handball.

    Source: IFAB Laws of the Game 2025/26 and IFAB circulars; IFAB history and statutes · recall

  6. A team-mate's accidental handball earlier in the move is no longer an offence.

    Source: IFAB Laws of the Game 2025/26 and IFAB circulars; IFAB history and statutes · recall

  7. The change was applied strictly at the 1998 World Cup.

    Source: IFAB Laws of the Game 2025/26 and IFAB circulars; IFAB history and statutes · recall

  8. 2020-21, 2021-22 and 2022-23.

    Source: IFAB Laws of the Game 2025/26 and IFAB circulars; IFAB history and statutes · recall

  9. September 2009, November 2009 and July 2012.

    Source: IFAB Laws of the Game 2025/26 and IFAB circulars; IFAB history and statutes · recall

  10. Before 1990, being level with the second-last opponent was offside.

    Source: IFAB Laws of the Game 2025/26 and IFAB circulars; IFAB history and statutes · recall

Test 6Concussion and injured playersTake a test

  1. Once replaced for a suspected concussion, the player takes no further part.

    Source: IFAB Laws of the Game 2025/26 and IFAB circulars; FIFA and UEFA competition announcements · applied

  2. The extra change removes any advantage from a false claim of concussion.

    Source: IFAB Laws of the Game 2025/26 and IFAB circulars; FIFA and UEFA competition announcements · recall

  3. Teams keep their normal allowance for tactical changes.

    Source: IFAB Laws of the Game 2025/26 and IFAB circulars; FIFA and UEFA competition announcements · recall

  4. The protocol allows each team a single concussion substitute per match, whatever the number of normal substitutions already used; the opponents may then make an additional substitution of their own.

    Source: IFAB Laws of the Game 2025/26 and IFAB circulars; FIFA and UEFA competition announcements · recall

  5. There are exceptions, such as goalkeepers and players injured by a foul that earns a card.

    Source: IFAB Laws of the Game 2025/26 and IFAB circulars; FIFA and UEFA competition announcements · recall

  6. A player who might be concussed should be taken off and not return that day.

    Source: IFAB Laws of the Game 2025/26 and IFAB circulars; FIFA and UEFA competition announcements · recall

  7. The Premier League joined the trial a few weeks later.

    Source: IFAB Laws of the Game 2025/26 and IFAB circulars; FIFA and UEFA competition announcements · recall

  8. The opponents' extra change is optional.

    Source: IFAB Laws of the Game 2025/26 and IFAB circulars; FIFA and UEFA competition announcements · applied

  9. The rule stops a team gaining time or position from an injury.

    Source: IFAB Laws of the Game 2025/26 and IFAB circulars; FIFA and UEFA competition announcements · applied

  10. The IFAB approved the trials in December 2020.

    Source: IFAB Laws of the Game 2025/26 and IFAB circulars; FIFA and UEFA competition announcements · recall

Test 7Players' equipment and inclusionTake a test

  1. Snoods could be pulled and caught around the neck.

    Source: IFAB Laws of the Game 2025/26 and IFAB circulars; FIFA and UEFA competition announcements · recall

  2. Clubs could then collect running data from matches as well as training.

    Source: IFAB Laws of the Game 2025/26 and IFAB circulars; FIFA and UEFA competition announcements · recall

  3. FIFA runs a quality programme for these devices.

    Source: IFAB Laws of the Game 2025/26 and IFAB circulars; FIFA and UEFA competition announcements · recall

  4. All players in a team must wear the same colour.

    Source: IFAB Laws of the Game 2025/26 and IFAB circulars; FIFA and UEFA competition announcements · recall

  5. A player who shows such a slogan faces action from the competition or FIFA.

    Source: IFAB Laws of the Game 2025/26 and IFAB circulars; FIFA and UEFA competition announcements · recall

  6. Before then, electronic communication with the bench was not allowed.

    Source: IFAB Laws of the Game 2025/26 and IFAB circulars; FIFA and UEFA competition announcements · recall

  7. Law 4 sets the basics; sponsorship rules belong to the competition.

    Source: IFAB Laws of the Game 2025/26 and IFAB circulars; FIFA and UEFA competition announcements · recall

  8. 2011, 2014 and 2015.

    Source: IFAB Laws of the Game 2025/26 and IFAB circulars; FIFA and UEFA competition announcements · recall

  9. Tape on the socks must match the part of the sock it covers.

    Source: IFAB Laws of the Game 2025/26 and IFAB circulars; FIFA and UEFA competition announcements · recall

  10. A trial had begun in 2012, after the ban had kept some players out of competitions.

    Source: IFAB Laws of the Game 2025/26 and IFAB circulars; FIFA and UEFA competition announcements · recall

Test 8Talking to the referee: recent trialsTake a test

  1. Referees were asked to explain decisions to the captain, who passed them on.

    Source: IFAB Laws of the Game 2025/26 and IFAB circulars; FIFA and UEFA competition announcements · applied

  2. The booking made the rule stick after the first few matches.

    Source: IFAB Laws of the Game 2025/26 and IFAB circulars; FIFA and UEFA competition announcements · recall

  3. Referees announced the outcome of each review after checking the monitor.

    Source: IFAB Laws of the Game 2025/26 and IFAB circulars; FIFA and UEFA competition announcements · recall

  4. The footage was shown in broadcasts and replays.

    Source: IFAB Laws of the Game 2025/26 and IFAB circulars; FIFA and UEFA competition announcements · recall

  5. Trials of VAR, sin bins and concussion substitutes all ran before any Law change.

    Source: IFAB Laws of the Game 2025/26 and IFAB circulars; FIFA and UEFA competition announcements · applied

  6. Law 3 gives the captain no special status, but competitions increasingly use him as the contact.

    Source: IFAB Laws of the Game 2025/26 and IFAB circulars; FIFA and UEFA competition announcements · recall

  7. Headsets let the officials discuss incidents during play; the VAR joins through the same system.

    Source: IFAB Laws of the Game 2025/26 and IFAB circulars; FIFA and UEFA competition announcements · recall

  8. Only the referee announces; the VAR does not speak to the stadium.

    Source: IFAB Laws of the Game 2025/26 and IFAB circulars; FIFA and UEFA competition announcements · applied

  9. 2023 for the announcements, 2024 for captains only and 2025 for the body cameras.

    Source: IFAB Laws of the Game 2025/26 and IFAB circulars; FIFA and UEFA competition announcements · recall

  10. The rule was later adopted by leagues including the Premier League.

    Source: IFAB Laws of the Game 2025/26 and IFAB circulars; FIFA and UEFA competition announcements · recall

Test 9The referee team under Law 6Take a test

  1. Law 5 covers the referee; Law 6 covers the other match officials.

    Source: IFAB Laws of the Game 2025/26 and IFAB circulars; FIFA and UEFA competition announcements · recall

  2. In many competitions the reserve assistant also helps the fourth official.

    Source: IFAB Laws of the Game 2025/26 and IFAB circulars; FIFA and UEFA competition announcements · recall

  3. The AVAR watches the live action while the VAR reviews an incident.

    Source: IFAB Laws of the Game 2025/26 and IFAB circulars; FIFA and UEFA competition announcements · recall

  4. The fourth official also shows the minimum added time.

    Source: IFAB Laws of the Game 2025/26 and IFAB circulars; FIFA and UEFA competition announcements · recall

  5. The other officials assist and advise; the decision is the referee's.

    Source: IFAB Laws of the Game 2025/26 and IFAB circulars; FIFA and UEFA competition announcements · recall

  6. Only the referee shows cards; the assistants signal offside, throw-ins and corners.

    Source: IFAB Laws of the Game 2025/26 and IFAB circulars; FIFA and UEFA competition announcements · recall

  7. Goals, penalties, direct red cards and mistaken identity are the four.

    Source: IFAB Laws of the Game 2025/26 and IFAB circulars; FIFA and UEFA competition announcements · recall

  8. Linesmen from the 1890s, AARs in 2012, VAR in 2018.

    Source: IFAB Laws of the Game 2025/26 and IFAB circulars; FIFA and UEFA competition announcements · recall

  9. The substitute may enter only once the player has left.

    Source: IFAB Laws of the Game 2025/26 and IFAB circulars; FIFA and UEFA competition announcements · applied

  10. Additional assistants stand on the goal line beside each goal where they are used.

    Source: IFAB Laws of the Game 2025/26 and IFAB circulars; FIFA and UEFA competition announcements · recall

Test 10What the Laws leave to competitionsTake a test

  1. The number actually named is set in each competition's rules.

    Source: IFAB Laws of the Game 2025/26 and IFAB circulars; FIFA and UEFA competition announcements · recall

  2. The limit on stoppages stops substitutions being used to waste time.

    Source: IFAB Laws of the Game 2025/26 and IFAB circulars; FIFA and UEFA competition announcements · recall

  3. The two periods must be of equal length.

    Source: IFAB Laws of the Game 2025/26 and IFAB circulars; FIFA and UEFA competition announcements · recall

  4. The competition rules must state its length.

    Source: IFAB Laws of the Game 2025/26 and IFAB circulars; FIFA and UEFA competition announcements · recall

  5. Drinks breaks and cooling breaks are allowed by competition rules.

    Source: IFAB Laws of the Game 2025/26 and IFAB circulars; FIFA and UEFA competition announcements · recall

  6. The Laws describe how extra time and penalties work, not when they are used.

    Source: IFAB Laws of the Game 2025/26 and IFAB circulars; FIFA and UEFA competition announcements · recall

  7. Return substitutions and temporary dismissals are among the permitted modifications.

    Source: IFAB Laws of the Game 2025/26 and IFAB circulars; FIFA and UEFA competition announcements · recall

  8. Laws 3, 5, 7 and 9.

    Source: IFAB Laws of the Game 2025/26 and IFAB circulars; FIFA and UEFA competition announcements · recall

  9. Extra time and penalties apply only if the rules require a winner.

    Source: IFAB Laws of the Game 2025/26 and IFAB circulars; FIFA and UEFA competition announcements · recall

  10. A cooling break lasts between ninety seconds and three minutes; a drinks break no more than one minute.

    Source: IFAB Laws of the Game 2025/26 and IFAB circulars; FIFA and UEFA competition announcements · recall

Sources

IFAB, FIFA and UEFA regulations and reports / club and federation statements / published coaching literature / peer-reviewed studies / contemporary reporting

  • IFAB Laws of the Game 2025/26 and IFAB circulars; IFAB history and statutes50
  • IFAB Laws of the Game 2025/26 and IFAB circulars; FIFA and UEFA competition announcements50