Circular 1907_Futsal Laws of the Game 2024-25

Futsal Laws of the Game 2024-25

Overview of Main Amendments

The FIFA Council has approved several updates to the Futsal Laws of the Game, incorporating specific adjustments for youth, veterans', disability, and grassroots futsal. These changes align the laws with recent modifications introduced in football.

Key Changes

1. Pitch and Ball Specifications

   • Pitch Size: Adjustments for different categories of futsal.
   • Ball Size, Weight, and Material: Specific requirements for youth, veterans', and disability futsal.
   • Goal Dimensions: Width between goalposts and height of the crossbar from the ground.

2. Captain's Arm Band

   • Mandatory wearing of an arm band for the team captain, which must be issued or authorized by the relevant competition organizer.

3. Game Duration

   • Equal duration for the two halves and two halves of extra time.

4. Dropped Ball

   • If the dropped ball enters a goal without touching at least two players due to uncontrollable circumstances, it should be dropped again.

5. Penalty Shootout

   • Players sent off during the match cannot participate in the shootout. Warnings and cautions issued during the match are not carried forward into the shootout.

6. Indirect Free Kick

   • Indirect free kicks are awarded under specific conditions, including handling the ball to interfere with or stop a promising attack.

7. Disciplinary Actions

   • Cautions for Unsporting Behaviour: Players must be cautioned for handling the ball to interfere with or stop a promising attack.
   • Sending Off: Players or substitutes can be sent off for denying the opposing team a goal or an obvious goalscoring opportunity through deliberate or non-deliberate handball offenses.

8. Direct Free Kick Summary Table

   • DFKSAF (Direct Free Kick Starting After Six Accumulated Fouls):
     • The ball must be stationary at the 10m mark or the point of the DFKSAF offense.
     • Encroachment by players (except the goalkeeper) is penalized if it impacts the goalkeeper or creates a scoring opportunity.
     • If a team-mate of the goalkeeper is penalized for encroachment, they are warned for the first offense and cautioned for subsequent offenses.

Detailed Law Summaries

1. Law 1 - The Pitch

   • Advertising on the Pitch: Advertising is permitted on the pitch and technical areas, provided it does not distract or confuse players or officials, and is at least 0.75 meters away from boundary lines.

2. Law 3 - The Players

   • Team Captain: Each team must have a captain who wears an identifying arm band. The captain has responsibilities for the team's behavior.

3. Law 4 - The Players' Equipment

   • Compulsory Equipment: Includes shorts, shinguards, and an arm band for the captain. Non-dangerous protective equipment like gloves and headgear is allowed.

4. Law 8 - The Start and Restart of Play

   • Dropped Ball: If the dropped ball enters a goal without touching two players due to uncontrollable circumstances, it should be dropped again.

5. Law 10 - Determining the Outcome of a Match

   • Penalty Shootout: Players sent off during the match cannot participate in the shootout. Warnings and cautions are not carried forward.

6. Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct

   • Indirect Free Kick: Awarded for specific offenses, including handling the ball to interfere with or stop a promising attack.
   • Cautions for Unsporting Behaviour: Players must be cautioned for specific behaviors, including denying the opposing team a goal or an obvious goalscoring opportunity.

7. Law 13 - Free Kicks

   • DFKSAF (Direct Free Kick Starting After Six Accumulated Fouls): The ball must be stationary at the 10m mark or the point of the DFKSAF offense. Encroachment penalties apply based on the impact on the goalkeeper or scoring opportunities.

These updates aim to enhance the fairness, safety, and competitiveness of futsal matches across various categories.