Updated Law Changes from FIFA for 2007/8 season

Law 1  The field of play

There should be no advertising of any kind on the ground within the technical area or within one metre from the touchline. Further, no advertising shall be allowed in the area between the goal line and the goal nets.

Law 4  The players equipment

Basic equipment

The basic compulsory equipment of a player comprises the following separate items:

a jersey or shirt, if undergarments are worn, the colour of the sleeve should be the same main colour as the sleeve of the jersey or shirt.

shorts, if undershorts are worn, they are of the same main colour as the shorts;

stockings;

shinguards;

footwear.

1) Players must not reveal undershirts that contain slogans or advertising. The basic compulsory equipment must not contain any political, religious or personal statements.

2) A player removing his jersey to reveal slogans or advertising will be sanctioned by the competition organiser. The team of a player whose basic compulsory equipment contains political, religious or personal slogans or statements will be sanctioned by the competition organiser or by FIFA.

3) Jerseys must have sleeves.

The 4th Official

The fourth official may be appointed under the competition rules and officiates if any of the three match officials is unable to continue, unless a reserve assistant referee is appointed. He assists the referee at all times. A reserve assistant referee may also be appointed under competition rules. His only duty shall be to replace an assistant referee who is unable to continue or to replace the fourth official, as required.

New Instructions to referees regarding jewellery

All items of jewellery (necklaces, rings, bracelets, earrings, leather bands, rubber bands etc.) are strictly forbidden and must be removed. Using tape to cover jewellery is not acceptable. Referees are also prohibited from wearing jewellery (except for a watch or similar device for timing the match).

Disciplinary sanctions

The players are to be inspected before the match begins and substitutes before they enter the fi eld of play. If a player is discovered to be wearing unauthorised clothing or jewellery during play, the referee shall:

inform the player that the item in question must be removed;

order the player to leave the field of play at the next stoppage if he is unable or unwilling to comply;

caution the player if he wilfully refuses to comply or, having been told to remove the item, is discovered to be wearing the item again.

If play is stopped to caution the player, an indirect free kick shall be awarded to the opposing team from the position of the ball when play was stopped.