What Are the Rules of Football? A Beginner's Guide
A beginner's guide to The IFAB's 17 Laws of the Game, covering the field, players, timing, goals, fouls, restarts and the limited role of VAR.
Read the reportMake sense of the match
Start with the shared rules, then move through decisions, tactics and the season context behind the score.
Start here
Start with the basics
What is V.League? Format, points and standings
Understand V.League, its format and points system, and how to read the table, with season-specific rules clearly identified.
Read the reportRules & decisions
Follow the referee’s decision
What Is Offside in Football? How the Rule Is Judged
What is offside in football? Learn how position, the ball, the second-last opponent, active play, restarts and deliberate play determine an offside offence.
Read the reportWhat is VAR? When can the referee review a decision?
Learn what VAR does, when reviews apply and who makes the final decision, including review limits and competition-specific options.
Read the reportYellow and red cards in football: second yellows and suspensions
What yellow and red cards mean, when two cautions lead to dismissal, and why suspension lengths and fines depend on competition rules.
Read the reportAdded Time vs Extra Time: What Is the Difference?
Added time replaces time lost at the end of a half. Extra time is two equal new periods of up to 15 minutes, used only when competition rules require a winner.
Read the reportPenalty Kick vs Penalty Shoot-out: What Is the Difference?
Learn the difference between a penalty kick and a penalty shoot-out, including when each happens, the five-kick opening phase and early stoppage in football.
Read the reportTactics & numbers
See the plan behind the play
What is pressing in football? Triggers and risks
Understand pressing through coordinated movement, timing and passing lanes, with a practical example of high pressing and its risks.
Read the reportWhat is xG? Expected goals explained
xG estimates a shot’s scoring probability. Learn how totals work, why they differ from the score and why model choice matters.
Read the reportOther sports
Explore sport beyond football
Why strong chess AI still lacks a complete solution
Computers can beat champions without proving chess's optimal result when both sides play perfectly. The game's enormous state space separates powerful position evaluation from a complete solution for the full board.
Read the reportFrom Vietnam
Vietnam focus
Reporting with Vietnam at the centre of the frame.
Mano Polking targets positive result for CAHN against Kashima Antlers
Công an Hà Nội coach Mano Polking hopes to make home advantage count against Kashima Antlers at Hàng Đẫy in the second round of the 2026/27 AFC Champions League Elite, at 19:15 Vietnam time on 13 October.
Read the story
Hanoi honours coaches and athletes for Asian Games achievements
Hanoi honoured coaches and athletes for their ASIAD 20 achievements at the municipal People's Committee hall on 12 October.
Read the story
Hanoi plans concert for 60,000 to mark Vietnam Culture Day
Hanoi is preparing an arts programme and concert for Vietnam Culture Day on 24 November, with an expected audience of 60,000, VnExpress reports.
Read the story