Football is a game of passion, skill, and—sometimes—utter confusion. While most fans know the basics like offside and handball, there are some obscure rules that can leave even the most die-hard supporters scratching their heads.
These laws exist in FIFA’s official rulebook, but they rarely come into play, making them some of the strangest football rules you probably didn’t know existed.
1. The Drop Ball Rule – No More Scrambles!
Gone are the days of dramatic drop-ball battles where two players lunged in like it was a cup final. Nowadays, if play is stopped for a non-foul reason, the ball is simply given back to the team that last touched it. The opposing team must stand at least four meters away. That’s right, no more fierce duels for a loose ball—it’s as anticlimactic as an overhyped transfer flop!
2. The Six-Second Goalkeeper Rule – A Law No One Enforces
According to the rulebook, a goalkeeper must not hold the ball for more than six seconds. But let’s be honest—goalkeepers bend this rule like free-kick maestros bending shots into the top corner. In reality, referees rarely enforce it, unless a keeper is blatantly wasting time as if they’re guarding the last piece of pizza at a party.
3. The Back-Pass with the Head Trick
Remember when keepers couldn’t pick up a deliberate back-pass? Some clever players thought they could bypass this by kneeling and heading the ball back to the goalie. FIFA wasn’t amused and closed the loophole—so if you see a player trying this in a match, just know that the ref is already reaching for his whistle.
4. A Goal Kick Can Score – But Only for the Opponent
If a goalkeeper takes a goal kick and it somehow travels the length of the field into the opponent’s net, congratulations—it’s a goal! However, if it bizarrely ends up in their own net without anyone touching it, it’s not an own goal. Instead, the opposition is awarded a corner kick. Talk about a rule that gives goalkeepers nightmares!
5. You Can’t Score an Own Goal from a Throw-In
Imagine this: A defender launches a throw-in back to their keeper, but the ball somehow bypasses everyone and ends up in their own net. Goal? Nope! According to the rules, it’s not an own goal—it’s a corner kick for the opposing team. So, if you’re going to make a defensive blunder, at least know you won’t be credited with an embarrassing own goal!
6. You Can’t Take a Penalty Twice
Think you can take a penalty, hit the post, and then smash in the rebound? Think again! Unless another player touches the ball first, the second attempt doesn’t count. So, if you ever see a player celebrating after scoring their own rebounded penalty, get ready for a brutal VAR intervention.
7. No Offside from a Goal Kick, Throw-In, or Corner Kick
Offside is already one of the most misunderstood rules in football, but did you know that a player can’t be offside if they receive the ball directly from a goal kick, throw-in, or corner? That’s right—if you ever see a striker lurking behind defenders on a throw-in, it’s perfectly legal. Defenders, you have been warned!
8. If VAR Breaks, the Ref’s Decision Stands
VAR has caused enough controversy already, but here’s the kicker: If the system malfunctions during a crucial decision, the referee’s original call stands—no matter how questionable it may be. So, if your team suffers from a dubious decision, just hope the ref isn’t having a bad day.
9. A Dropped Ball Cannot Be Scored Directly
Let’s say the referee drops the ball for a restart, and a player decides to smash it into the net. Goal? Nope! A dropped ball must be touched by another player before a goal can count. So, while it might make for a spectacular highlight, the rulebook says: “Nice try, but no goal!”
10. Goalkeepers Moving Off the Line = Retake and a Booking!
We’ve seen it many times—keepers trying to gain an unfair advantage by creeping off their line during penalties. If a goalkeeper moves before the ball is struck and the penalty is missed, the referee can order a retake and give the keeper a yellow card. Keepers, stay on your line, or risk double punishment!
Ready to put your football knowledge to the test? Sign up today with iLOTBET and bet on your favorite teams! Who knows, maybe one of these weird rules will decide your next big win!
+15856533044, +15856533044
-
Nkama SamuelDedicated Support -
Ezugwu EjikeSocial Support -
Okoli JonathanAdmin
