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🏛️Official — FIFA
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The Ball (Law 2, Section 1). The ball must be spherical, made of suitable material, with a circumference of between 68cm and 70cm, a weight of between 400g and 440g at the start of the match, and a pressure equal to 0.4-0.6 atm (400-600g/cm² at sea level).
— Section 1, Section 2, Section 14, Section 3, Section 4, Section 7, Law 2, Law 4, Law 3
Why people argue about this
People often assume that the ball's weight is measured at the start of each half rather than at the beginning of the match as stated in the official verdict. This oversight leads to misunderstandings about when coaches should adjust their players' equipment if the ball's weight deviates from the required range during a game.
Surface (Law 1, Section 1). The playing surface is composed of sand and must be level, free of pebbles, shells or any other object that could injure players, match officials or any other person.
— Section 1, Section 3, Section 4, Section 9, Section 5, Section 8, Law 1
Why people argue about this
People often assume that the sand must be perfectly smooth like concrete, forgetting that a bit of unevenness is okay as long as it doesn't pose an injury risk. They misunderstand that "level" means no significant dips or protrusions, not a completely flat surface.
Number of Players (Law 3, Section 1). A match is played by two teams of a maximum of five players each, one of whom must be the goalkeeper.
— Section 1, Section 2, Section 4, Section 14, Law 3, Law 5, Law 6
Why people argue about this
People often assume that a team can only have five players on the field at once, which is why they argue; however, under FIFA's Beach Soccer rules, each team is allowed up to five substitutes who can be brought in during the match, not necessarily having all five active at any given time.
No Offside (Law 11). There is no offside law in beach soccer.
— Section 1, Section 4, Section 2, Law 7, Law 11, Law 12
Why people argue about this
People often assume that beach soccer should have an offside rule like in traditional football due to its name, but the official FIFA ruling clarifies there isn't one specifically for beach soccer, which can lead to misunderstandings about when and how it applies.
Goal Scored (Law 10, Section 1). A goal is scored when the whole of the ball passes over the imaginary goal line, between the posts and under the crossbar, provided no offence was committed by the scoring team.
— Section 1, Section 2, Section 3, Section 4, Law 10
Why people argue about this
People often assume that a goal is scored as soon as the ball crosses the line, without checking if an offence was committed by their team. However, the official verdict clarifies that only goals are valid if no offense occurred on the part of the scoring side, which can lead to debates about whether players were offside or if there was a handball, for instance.
Free Kick Offences (Law 12, Section 1). A free kick is awarded if a player commits any of the following against an opponent carelessly, recklessly, or with excessive force: charging, jumping at, kicking or attempting to kick, pushing, striking or ...
— Section 1, Section 3, Section 4, Law 12, Law 13, Law 14
Why people argue about this
People often assume that if a player accidentally bumps into an opponent while trying to kick the ball, it wouldn't be penalized as a free kick. But actually, the rule covers any reckless or excessive force used against opponents, whether intended or accidental. So even a friendly bump could still result in a free kick if deemed careless or with undue aggression.
Jewellery and Dangerous Equipment (Law 4, Section 1). A player must not use or wear anything dangerous.
— Section 1, Section 4, Section 9, Law 1, Law 4, Law 12
Why people argue about this
People often assume that just because a rule bans dangerous equipment doesn't mean they're allowed to wear anything at all. But in beach soccer, it's actually about what kind of jewelry or accessories are considered 'dangerous' and thus prohibited, leading to misunderstandings on what exactly is banned.