1. Field surface
The field of play must be a wholly natural or, if competition rules permit, a wholly artificial playing surface except where competition rules permit an integrated combination of artificial and natural materials (hybrid system).
The colour of artificial surfaces must be green.
Where artificial surfaces are used in competition matches between representative teams of national football associations affiliated to FIFA or international club competition matches, the surface must meet the requirements of the FIFA Quality Programme for Football Turf, unless special dispensation is given by The IFAB.
2. Field markings
The field of play must be rectangular and marked with continuous lines which must not be dangerous; artificial playing surface material may be used for the field markings on natural fields if it is not dangerous. These lines belong to the areas of which they are boundaries.
Only the lines indicated in Law 1 are to be marked on the field of play. Where artificial surfaces are used, other lines are permitted provided they are a different colour and clearly distinguishable from the football lines.
The two longer boundary lines are touchlines. The two shorter lines are goal lines.
The field of play is divided into two halves by a halfway line, which joins the midpoints of the two touchlines. The centre mark is at the midpoint of the halfway line. A circle with a radius of 9.15 m (10 yds) is marked around it.
Marks may be made off the field of play 9.15 m (10 yds) from the corner arc at right angles to the goal lines and the touchlines.
All lines must be of the same width, which must not be more than 12 cm (5 ins). The goal lines must be of the same width as the goalposts and the crossbar.
A player who makes unauthorised marks on the field of play must be cautioned for unsporting behaviour. If the referee notices this being done during the match, the player is cautioned when the ball next goes out of play.
3. Dimensions
The touchline must be longer than the goal line.
| Length (touchline): |
Length (goal line): |
| minimum 90 m (100 yds) |
minimum 45 m (50 yds) |
| maximum 120 m (130 yds) |
maximum 90 m (100 yds) |
Competitions may determine the length of the goal line and touchline within the above dimensions. 4. Dimensions for international matches
| Length (touchline): |
Length (goal line): |
| minimum 100 m (110 yds) |
minimum 64 m (70 yds) |
| maximum 110 m (120 yds) |
75 m (80 yds) |
Competitions may determine the length of the goal line and touchline within the above dimensions.
5. The goal area
Two lines are drawn at right angles to the goal line, 5.5 m (6 yds) from the inside of each goalpost. These lines extend into the field of play for 5.5 m (6 yds) and are joined by a line drawn parallel with the goal line. The area bounded by these lines and the goal line is the goal area.
6. The penalty area
Two lines are drawn at right angles to the goal line, 16.5 m (18 yds) from the inside of each goalpost. These lines extend into the field of play for 16.5 m (18 yds) and are joined by a line drawn parallel with the goal line. The area bounded by these lines and the goal line is the penalty area.
Within each penalty area, a penalty mark is made 11 m (12 yds) from the midpoint between the goalposts.
An arc of a circle with a radius of 9.15 m (10 yds) from the centre of each penalty mark is drawn outside the penalty area.
7. The corner area
The corner area is defined by a quarter circle with a radius of 1 m (1 yd) from each corner flagpost drawn inside the field of play.
8. Flagposts
A flagpost, at least 1.5 m (5 ft) high, with a non-pointed top and a flag must be placed at each corner.
Flagposts may be placed at each end of the halfway line, at least 1 m (1 yd) outside the touchline.
9. The technical area
The technical area relates to matches played in stadiums with a designated sitting area for team officials, substitutes and substituted players as outlined below:
- the technical area should only extend 1 m (1 yd) on either side of the designated seated area and up to a distance of 1 m (1 yd) from the touchline
- markings should be used to define the area
- the number of persons permitted to occupy the technical area is defined by the competition rules
- the occupants of the technical area:
- are identified before the start of the match in accordance with the competition rules
- must behave in a responsible manner
- must remain within its confines except in special circumstances, e.g. a physiotherapist/doctor entering the field of play, with the referee’s permission, to assess an injured player
- only one person at a time is authorised to convey tactical instructions from the technical area
10. Goals
A goal must be placed on the centre of each goal line.
A goal consists of two vertical posts equidistant from the corner flagposts and joined at the top by a horizontal crossbar. The goalposts and crossbar must be made of approved material and must not be dangerous. The goalposts and crossbar of both goals must be the same shape, which must be square, rectangular, round, elliptical or a hybrid of these options.
It is recommended that all goals used in an official competition organised under the auspices of FIFA or confederations meet the requirements of the FIFA Quality Programme for Football Goals.
The distance between the inside of the posts is 7.32 m (8 yds) and the distance from the lower edge of the crossbar to the ground is 2.44 m (8 ft).
The position of the goalposts in relation to the goal line must be in accordance with the graphics.
The goalposts and the crossbar must be white and have the same width and depth, which must not exceed 12 cm (5 ins).
If the crossbar becomes displaced or broken, play is stopped until it has been repaired or replaced in position. Play is restarted with a dropped ball. If it cannot be repaired the match must be abandoned. A rope or any flexible or dangerous material may not replace the crossbar.
Nets may be attached to the goals and the ground behind the goal; they must be properly supported and must not interfere with the goalkeeper.
Safety
Goals (including portable goals) must be firmly secured to the ground.