Field Surface
Matches may be played on natural or artifi cial surfaces, according to
the rules of the competition.
The colour of artifi cial surfaces must be green.
Where artifi cial surfaces are used in either competition matches
between representative teams of member associations affi liated to
FIFA or international club competition matches, the surface must meet
the requirements of the FIFA Quality Concept for Artifi cial Turf or
the International Artifi cial Turf Standard, unless special dispensation
is given by FIFA.
Field Markings
The fi eld of play must be rectangular and marked with lines. These
lines belong to the areas of which they are boundaries.
The two longer boundary lines are called touch lines. The two shorter
lines are called goal lines.
The fi eld of play is divided into two halves by a halfway line, which
joins the midpoints of the two touch lines.
The centre mark is indicated at the midpoint of the halfway line.
A circle with a radius of 9.15 m (10 yds) is marked around it.
Marks may be made off the fi eld of play, 9.15 m (10 yds) from the
corner arc and at right angles to the goal lines and the touch lines, to
ensure that defending players retreat this distance when a corner kick
is being taken.
