The rules of football can sometimes be complex and must provide for the most unexpected scenarios. During Euro 2022, players will have to comply with certain little-known laws.
The 2022 Women’s Euro 2022 kicks off on Wednesday July 6. The spectators of the event certainly imagine that they know the rules of the game well. But, beyond the refereeing, certain particular points apply to this competition, and often remain unknown. The official UEFA website even took the trouble to specify these details.
For instance, the winning team of this Euro will not leave with the official cup. The trophy is indeed the property of the federation and therefore remains on its premises. The victorious selection takes only a reduced model, which it can keep and, as it pleases, take on the road. A rule, since repealed, allowed a country having won the Euro five times in its history or three times in a row to keep the original trophy. This is also why the current version dates from 2005, Germany having kept the old one.
Three jerseys for one position
Some spectators might also be surprised to see penalty shootouts already in the group stages. These shots on goal are however possible in a very specific case. If two teams do indeed tie points having drawn against each other, it is not the usual goals scored rules that will come into play, but penalty shootouts. However, this feature will not apply if three teams are tied on points.
The jersey numbers of the 23 players, once truly linked to a position, are now free, with one exception. Number 1 can only be worn by a goalkeeper. On the other hand, his substitutes like the outfield players can wear any number. Each team is also required to bring two jerseys in the colors of the goalkeeper (home and away) without any number. They make it possible to identify the position in the case, rare, but already seen, where a field player must replace a goalkeeper.
Do not enter the field who wants. Players must at all times be able to prove their identity. This is why the regulations provide that “each player participating in the competition must be in possession of a valid passport or identity card of the country for which she is playing”. This will apply equally to England, although they are playing at home.