Five-a-side
Each team has up to five players on court, including one goalkeeper.
Law 3BEFORE YOU PLAY
FUTSAL
RULES.
A quick guide to FIFA futsal.
The full laws cover the details and exceptions.
FIFA Futsal Laws of the Game 2025–26 · PDF · opens in a new tab
THE BASICS.
Rolling substitutions
Substitutions are unlimited. Enter through the substitution zone after the player you replace has left.
Law 3No offside
There is no offside in futsal.
Law 11Kick-ins, not throw-ins
Restart from the touchline with a stationary ball within four seconds. Opponents stay at least five metres away.
Law 15Goalkeeper possession
In their own half, a goalkeeper may control the ball with their hands, arms or feet for no more than four seconds. Other goalkeeper restrictions also apply.
Law 12Accumulated fouls
From a team’s sixth accumulated foul in a period, special no-wall direct-free-kick rules apply. Penalty-area offences can result in penalties.
Law 13MATCHES & SOCIAL SESSIONS
KNOW THE
FORMAT.
FIFA’s standard match is two 20-minute stopped-clock halves. Competition rules can modify match duration.
BK social sessions are for players aged 15+, run for 90 minutes and cost $15 per player. Session length and individual match duration are different things.
For the Premier League’s playing format or a session-specific question, check with BK before you play.
Ask about the playing formatOFFICIAL REFERENCE
THE FULL LAWS.
This introductory summary uses FIFA’s 2025–26 edition. Referees and organisers apply the laws and the relevant competition regulations; this page does not replace them.
Open FIFA’s official PDFREADY TO PLAY?
FUTSAL AT
SOUTH BANK.
You can enquire about an individual social place without entering a team.
Find a social session