Qualities and Measurements

The ball is:
  • spherical
  • made of leather or other suitable material
  • of a circumference of not more than 70 cm (28 ins) and not less than 68 cm (27 ins)
  • not more than 450 g (16 oz) in weight and not less than 410 g (14 oz) at the start of the match
  • of a pressure equal to 0.6 – 1.1 atmosphere (600 – 1100 g/cm2) at sea level (8.5 lbs/sq in 15.6 lbs/sq in)

Replacement of a Defective Ball

If the ball bursts or becomes defective during the course of a match:

  • the match is stopped
  • the match is restarted by dropping the replacement ball at the place where the first ball became defective

If the ball bursts or becomes defective whilst not in play at a kick-off, goal kick, corner kick, free kick, penalty kick or throw-in:

  • the match is restarted accordingly

The ball may not be changed during the match without the authority of the referee.