Player Equipment Rules

Every outfield player must wear a jersey (with sleeves), shorts, socks that cover the shin guards, shin guards, and footwear. Goalkeepers must wear a colour that distinguishes them from all other players and from the referee. Shin guards must be made of rubber, plastic, or similar suitable material and must provide reasonable protection. Socks must cover the shin guards completely. Many players tape their socks over the guard to keep everything in place — this tape is permitted as long as it matches the sock colour.

Jewellery is not permitted during play — this includes rings, necklaces, bracelets, and earrings. Players often tape over jewellery, but referees are instructed to require removal rather than taping if the item presents a danger. Hard casts are generally not permitted unless covered with sufficient padding and the referee and opposition captain agree it is safe. Players may not wear equipment carrying political, religious, or personal slogans — this has led to several high-profile fines in international football.

Modern players routinely wear GPS performance vests beneath their jerseys during training and, in some competitions, during matches. IFAB has permitted electronic performance and tracking systems (EPTS) worn under the shirt, provided they are not dangerous. The devices must be approved by the competition organiser. Players may not wear any device that transmits information to the technical area in real time in a way that influences tactical decisions — though this boundary is actively being tested as wearable technology advances.

Players may wear undershirts (tight-fitting base layers) as long as they match the colour of the shirt sleeve. Goalkeepers and outfield players are permitted to wear a cap in extreme heat or bright sunlight. Protective face masks — which became prominent when players like Cesc Fàbregas and Zlatan Ibrahimović returned from facial fractures — must be approved by the referee and be of a non-dangerous material. The referee has final authority on whether any protective equipment poses a risk to other players.