Ruleside
Practical guidelines for match officialsWhistle·Page 225, 2026/27 edition

Whistle

The provision as it is printed, and everything on Ruleside that turns on it.

If the referee wants the player(s) to wait for the whistle before restarting play (e.g. when ensuring that defending players are 9.15m (10 yd) from the ball at a free kick) the referee must clearly inform the attacking player(s) to wait for the whistle.

IFAB Laws of the Game 2026/27, page 225 · clause law-x-944621af

Verdicts that turn on it 1

Walk the tree to any of these and this clause is part of the answer.

The Laws of the Game are published by The IFAB and quoted here for the purpose of explaining the decisions on this site. Ruleside is not affiliated with The IFAB or FIFA. Every clause of Practical guidelines for match officials that Ruleside cites.