Qualities and Measurements

The ball is:

  • spherical
  • made of leather or other suitable material
  • of a circumference of not more than 70cm (28ins) and not less than 68cm (27ins)
  • not more than 450g (16oz) in weight and not less than 410g (14oz) at the start of the match
  • of a pressure equal to 0.6–1.1 atmosphere (600–1100g/cm2) at sea level (8.5lbs/sq.in 15.6lbs/sq.in)

Replacement of a Defective Ball

If the ball bursts or becomes defective during the course of a match:

  • the match is stopped
  • it is restarted by dropping the replacement ball at the place where the first ball became defective*

If the ball bursts or becomes defective whilst not in play at a kick off, goal kick, corner kick, free kick, penalty kick or throw-in:

  • the match is restarted accordingly

The ball may not be changed during the match without the authority of the referee.