Law 2 – The Ball
1. Qualities and measurements
Section titled “1. Qualities and measurements”The ball must be:
- spherical;
- made of suitable material;
- of a circumference of between 62cm and 64cm;
- between 400g and 440g in weight at the start of the match;
- of a pressure equal to 0.6-0.9atm (600-900g/cm2) at sea level.
The ball must not bounce lower than 50cm or higher than 65cm on the first rebound when dropped from a height of 2m.
All balls used in matches played in an official competition organised under the auspices of FIFA or confederations must meet the requirements and bear one of the marks of the FIFA Quality Programme for Footballs.
Each mark indicates that the ball has been officially tested and meets the specific technical requirements for that mark, which are additional to the minimum specifications stipulated in Law 2 and must be approved by FIFA.
2. Advertising on the ball
Section titled “2. Advertising on the ball”In matches played in an official competition organised under the auspices of FIFA, confederations or national football associations, no form of commercial advertising is permitted on the ball, except for the logo/emblem of the competition, the competition organiser and the authorised manufacturer’s trademark. The competition rules may restrict the size and number of such markings.
3. Replacement of a defective ball
Section titled “3. Replacement of a defective ball”If the ball becomes defective in open play, play is stopped and restarted with a dropped ball (see Law 8). The only exception is when the ball becomes defective as a result of striking one of the goalposts or the crossbar and then directly enters the goal (see section 6 of this Law).
If the ball becomes defective at a kick-off, goal clearance, corner kick, free kick, penalty kick, kick-in or dropped ball, the restart is retaken.
If the ball becomes defective during a penalty kick, penalties (penalty shoot-out) or a DFKSAF as it moves forwards and before it touches a player, crossbar or goalpost, the kick is retaken.
The ball may not be changed during the match without one of the referees’ permission.
4. Additional balls
Section titled “4. Additional balls”Additional balls which meet the requirements of Law 2 may be placed around the pitch. All balls are subject to the referees’ control.
5. Extra balls on the pitch
Section titled “5. Extra balls on the pitch”If an extra ball enters the pitch while the ball is in play, the referees must stop the match only if the extra ball interferes with play. Play must be restarted with a dropped ball (see Law 8).
If an extra ball enters the pitch while the ball is in play without interfering with play, the referees allow play to continue and must have the extra ball removed at the earliest possible opportunity.
6. Goal involving a defective ball
Section titled “6. Goal involving a defective ball”If the ball becomes defective after striking one of the goalposts or the crossbar and directly enters the goal, the referees award the goal.