FIFA has approved new rules for the game of futsal: changes from June 1, 2020

05.06.2020 17:23

Photo fifa.com

The Bureau of the FIFA Executive Committee has approved an update to the futsal rules of the game, which came into force on June 1.

As of FIFA official website, the bureau of the executive committee of the organization approved the update. The last edition of the rules as of the 2020/2021 season came into force on June 1, 2020.

Some of the adjustments reflect recent changes in football. Competitions interrupted by COVID-19 may be completed in accordance with previous futsal rules or in accordance with the new edition for the 2020/2021 season. In any friendly or warm-up matches on the eve of the resumption of the competition, it is allowed to use the rules that will apply during the restart of the competition, even if these matches take place after June 1 of the current year.

More organizational options for associations

Women's futsal is no longer considered a separate category, but instead has the same status as men's. At the same time, the new rules offer associations a number of flexible organizational options for competitions involving young people, older players, players with disabilities and at the grassroots level. For example, the size of the goal, the size of the field, the type of ball, the playing time and the throwing of the ball by the goalkeeper can also be adjusted according to local circumstances and needs, which will promote creativity in futsal and technical development of players.

Adaptation of football rules

The start of the match will reflect the changes in football: now all players, except those who start the match, must remain in their own half of the field. The number of shots during the penalty shootout has been increased from three to five. According to the latest version of the rules, five players from each team can warm up at the same time.

The rules of the game regarding referees have been changed to be more effective in dealing with officials who behave inappropriately.

During the penalty kick, the goalkeeper must touch or be on the goal line with one foot. Anyone who obstructs the penalty should be warned, even if he does not break the distance of five meters. This also applies to free kicks.

As in football, the ball is considered entered into the game when the goalkeeper releases and moves it cleanly. Opponents can enter the penalty area only after entering the ball into play. The four-second rule continues to apply.

Futsal rules for the 2020/2021 season