IFAB: Laws of the Game 2019-20

"Football must have Laws which keep the game 'fair' as a crucial foundation of the beauty of the 'beautiful game' is its fairness - this is a vital feature of the 'spirit' of the game. The best matches are those where the referee is rarely needed as the players play with respect for each other, the match officials and the Laws," wrote the IFAB in an introductory statement to the Laws of the Game 2019-20 that came into force - unless otherwise stated - on 01/06/2019.

"That the same Laws apply in every match in every confederation, country, town and village throughout the world is a considerable strength which must be preserved. This is also an opportunity which must be harnessed for the good of football everywhere," added the International Football Association Board in a section entitled, "The philosophy and spirit of the Laws."