All balls must be:

• spherical

• made of suitable material

• of a circumference of between 68 cm (27 ins) and 70 cm (28 ins)

• between 410 g (14 oz) and 450 g (16 oz) in weight at the start of the match

• of a pressure equal to 0.6–1.1 atmosphere (600 –1,100 g/cm²) at sea level (8.5lbs/sq in–15.6 lbs/sq in)

If the ball becomes defective:

• play is stopped and

• restarted with a dropped ball

• If the ball becomes defective at a kick-off, goal kick, corner kick, free kick, penalty kick or throw-in, the restart is retaken.

• If the ball becomes defective during a penalty kick or penalties (penalty shoot-out) as it moves forward and before it touches a player, crossbar or goalposts, the penalty kick is retaken.

The ball may not be changed during the match without the referee’s permission. Additional balls that meet the requirements of Law 2 can be placed around the field of play, and their use is under the referee’s control.

Law 2 Q & A and Guidelines