Soccer: three rules you may not have known about the 'king of the game'

Soccer is considered the ‘king sport’ or ‘the people’s sport’, managing to become globalized in practically every corner of the planet. According to figures from some specialized portals, this discipline can reach close to 4 billion fans.

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Some records indicate that football as it is known today was born in the United Kingdom in the mid-19th century. The rules were written in England and have since spread around the globe, however, there are some theories that say that it was created much further back in time.

In the same way, its norms have changed throughout a century and a half of existence, even, technology has appropriated the free development of the game and has put itself on the agenda of the most controversial plays. The Video Assistant Referee (VAR), for example, is one of the most recent updates and has caused great controversy in international matches.

For this reason, we show you some somewhat strange rules that exist in the sport and are not fully known to the general public.

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Cristiano Ronaldo in Al Nassr match.

What happens if a player refuses to leave the field?

During the course of the game, uncomfortable situations have arisen in which a player refuses to be substituted. In this case, the game will continue its normal course and it will only be a matter of the clubs taking action against the footballer.

A similar case happened four years ago, when Kepa Arrizabalga, a Chelsea player, refused to be replaced in a Carling Cup match between his team and Manchester City, Well, as was said at the time, the goalkeeper wanted to be in the penalty shootout.

During the event, the center-back did not stop the game and the normal course of the match continued. However, Arrizabalga received a penalty of more than 200,000 euros for his actions.

“If a player who will be replaced refuses to leave the field of play, the match will continue,” express the FIFA substitution procedure guidelines.

Dribble when kicking a penalty

During FIFA rule 14, articulated where it talks about kicks from the penalty mark, it specifies that a player may not perform a feint at the end of his shooting run, as it is considered a violation of Fair Play and, therefore, will receive a yellow card.

However, during his run to the ball, the spiker will be able to make feints and all kinds of deceptions.

“Using feints during the run towards the penalty mark to confuse opponents is part of football and is allowed. However, using feints when kicking the ball after the player has completed the run towards the penalty mark it is considered a breach of Rule 14 and an act of unsportsmanlike conduct, so the player must be reprimanded ”, expresses the norm.

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Own goal from kick-off

This is one of the rules little known by the soccer fan. Although a goal against the opponent from a center kick is legitimate, an own goal from the same position is invalid. Why?

Well, according to the FIFA Laws of the Game, a goal can only be valid if it has been scored directly by a player of the attacking team and has completely crossed the goal line before a throw-in, free kick, corner kick or game over has been awarded. Otherwise, a corner kick is awarded.