During the early 19th century, the game of football became popular among industrial workers in Britain. As more and more workers had Saturday afternoons off, they turned to a game that would allow them to relax. These games had few rules, and the players would kick the ball until it reached the opponent’s goal. These games often ended in brawls. The game was so dangerous that the ruling classes banned it.
The game of football is now regulated internationally by the Federation Internationale de Football Association (FIFA). In the 20th century, more than 200 nations joined FIFA, and more than 32 national teams compete in the FIFA World Cup finals each year. FIFA also regulates the game’s agents, who exercise authority over players. These agents must pass written exams held by national associations, and must also be licensed by FIFA. The agents have been compared to slave traders in some parts of Africa, since they often profit from transfer fees to Western leagues. The agents also exercise authoritarian control over players.
A standard adult football match consists of two periods, each lasting 45 minutes. The referee officiates the game, and the teams are divided into halves. The goal is to score as many goals as possible. During a match, each team is allowed to have 11 players on the field at a time. This number can change, depending on the style of play. However, the referee has the authority to add time to the match if a player is injured.
Each team is allowed to have a goalkeeper who is responsible for guarding the goal. The goalkeeper can only use his hands to stop the ball within a restricted area around the goal post. If the goalkeeper does not stop the ball with his hands, he is penalized.
The goal is scored when the ball crosses the goal line, which is located at the end of the playing field. This line is marked with yardage markers that descend every ten yards until the opposite end of the field. There is also a goalpost at each end of the playing field. Each team also has an end zone that is ten yards long.
The ball is inflated, which makes it heavy. It has a circumference of 27 to 27.5 inches. It is made from leather and is about 14.5 to 16 ounces in weight. A referee oversees the game and is assisted by two assistant referees. A fourth official is used in high-level games. The referee is also the timekeeper. This person has full authority to enforce the Laws of the Game.
Several national associations operate leagues, which are divided into divisions. The top divisions feature teams that attract the world’s top players, while the lower divisions feature teams that are amateurs. Each team plays every other team in its division at home and away. The top teams in the league are often promoted to a higher division. Teams finishing at the bottom of the league may be relegated to the lower division.
