Laws of the Game 26-27
The 17 Laws of the Game for 2026-27, read clause by clause: referees, cards, restarts and the eight-second goalkeeper law that is reshaping time-wasting.
New Football Laws 2026-27: What Has Actually Changed
A new edition of the Laws arrives every summer, and most of it is continuity rather than revolution. Here is what the 2026-27 lawbook really changes.
2026-09-24
The 17 Laws of the Game Explained in Plain English
Seventeen laws run every match on earth. This is the whole lawbook in one place, with the clause that matters most in each one.
2026-09-18
The Eight-Second Goalkeeper Rule: How the Count Works Now
Referees no longer wait for the keeper to dawdle: they raise an arm and count the last five seconds out loud. Break the limit and it is a corner.
2026-09-10
Law 5: The Referee's Powers, Duties and Final Word
Law 5 is the shortest route to understanding why a referee can change a decision, stop a match or wave play on. It is also the most misunderstood.
2026-08-29
Law 12: Fouls, Misconduct and When Cards Come Out
Most arguments about cards are really arguments about three words: careless, reckless and excessive. Law 12 is where they are defined.
2026-08-20