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Karl
Senior Member
USA
914 Posts |
 Posted - Sep 29 2004 : 5:20:37 PM
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Uniformity on extra time and penalty shoot-outs – Artificial turf approved for use in official matches
- At its 118th Annual General Meeting in London today (28 February 2004), the International Football Association Board (IFAB), chaired by FIFA President Joseph S. Blatter, approved a number of amendments to the Laws of the Game.
Key decisions reached included the following:
- Law 1 – The Field of Play: If permitted under the applicable competition rules, matches may be played on a natural turf or artificial turf surface. In the case of artificial turf, the surface must meet the requisite quality standards (i.e. the FIFA Quality Concept for Artificial Turf or the International Artificial Turf Standard).
- Law 3 – The Number of Players: No more than six substitutions per team shall be permitted in friendly matches.
- Law 10 – Method of Scoring: With regard to the method for determining the winner of a match, the IFAB ruled in favour of extra-time, consisting of two periods of no more than 15 minutes each, followed by kicks from the penalty mark. As a result, matches will no longer be decided by “golden goal” or “silver goal”.
- Law 12 – Fouls and Misconduct: Any player removing his jersey after scoring a goal shall be cautioned for unsporting behaviour.
Furthermore, Law 5 will now dictate that if the rules of a competition endorse the use of a fourth official, his function and responsibilities shall correspond with those laid down by the IFAB.
All of the changes to the Laws of the Game shall come into force worldwide on 1 July 2004.
The IFAB chose to reject proposals to increase the maximum length of the half-time interval from 15 to 20 minutes and to advance free kicks by 9.15 metres if a player from the penalised team fails to retreat the required distance or prevents the free kick from being taken.
The 118th Annual General Meeting of the International Football Association Board forms part of a weekend of FIFA Centennial celebrations in London to pay tribute to the British associations’ key contribution to the game of football. To mark the occasion, the members of the FIFA Executive Committee were invited to attend the IFAB meeting for the very first time.
The International F.A. Board is constituted of The Football Association (England), The Scottish Football Association, The Football Association of Wales, The Irish Football Association and FIFA, each of which is represented by four delegates. FIFA have four votes on behalf of all of its affiliated associations. The other IFAB member associations have one vote each. For a proposal to be passed, it must receive the support of at least three-quarters of those present and entitled to vote.
Enquiries to be addressed to:
FIFA Media Office
Tel: +41-43/222 72 72
Fax: +41-43/222 73 73
FIFA Communications Division |
Karl |
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Laws of the Game - Changes: 28 February 2004
