Circular 1907_Futsal Laws of the Game 2024-25

Industry Overview - The FIFA Council has approved several updates to the Futsal Laws of the Game for the 2024-25 season, aligning them with recent modifications in football [1] - The updates include futsal-specific adjustments, particularly for youth, veterans', disability, and grassroots futsal, covering aspects such as pitch size, ball specifications, and game duration [3] Key Amendments to Futsal Laws - Advertising on the pitch is permitted, provided it is at least 0.75m away from boundary lines and does not distract players or officials [3] - Each team must have a captain wearing an identifying armband, with no special privileges but a responsibility for team behavior [3] - Goalkeepers are allowed to wear trousers, and shinguards must be covered by socks and made of suitable material for protection [3] Gameplay and Equipment Rules - Non-dangerous protective equipment, such as gloves, headgear, and facemasks, is permitted for players, and goalkeepers may wear caps and sports spectacles [4] - A dropped ball must be retaken if it enters the goal without touching at least two players, unless due to facility conditions or improper dropping [4] - Players sent off during the match are not permitted to participate in penalty shoot-outs, and warnings/cautions are not carried forward [5] Penalty and Free Kick Regulations - For a direct free kick beginning with the sixth accumulated foul (DFKSAF), the ball must be stationary on the 10m mark, and encroachment by players is penalized if it impacts the goalkeeper or kicker [6] - If a penalty kick is not taken within four seconds after the referee's signal, an indirect free kick is awarded to the opposing team [7] - Encroachment by both attacking and defending players during a DFKSAF results in a retake and warnings for the offending players [8] Referee and Match Official Guidelines - Referees must ensure that the pitch surface is flat, smooth, and non-abrasive, with dangerous surfaces prohibited [41] - The pitch dimensions for international matches must have a touchline length between 38m and 42m and a goal line width between 20m and 25m [49] - Referees are required to stop play if unauthorized marks are made on the pitch and caution the offending player for unsporting behavior [46] Player and Substitution Rules - A match is played by two teams, each with a maximum of five players, including one goalkeeper, and cannot start or resume with fewer than three players [100] - Substitutions are unlimited, and a maximum of nine substitutes may be used in official competitions organized under FIFA or confederations [104] - Players sent off before the match cannot be named on the team list, and substitutes sent off cannot be replaced [124] Equipment and Safety Standards - Players must not wear dangerous equipment or jewelry, and referees must inspect players before the match to ensure compliance [137] - Compulsory equipment includes a shirt with sleeves, shorts, socks, shinguards, and footwear, with the team captain required to wear an identifying armband [139] - Non-dangerous protective equipment, such as gloves and headgear, is permitted, and goalkeepers may wear trousers [145]