| FIFA regulates player equipment during matches | | | | Stockings-"Stockings" are really just long socks that |
| because safety is an important issue in football | | | | extend to the knee. They should be able to cover the |
| matches. As such, Law 4 (Player equipment) stipulates | | | | shin guards fully and adequately. |
| that players cannot use any gear or wear anything | | | | Shin guards-these must adhere to the following |
| that can be dangerous to him or other players. This is | | | | specifications:i) They should be fully covered by the |
| primarily why referees do not permit jewellery on | | | | stockingsii) Must be made out of plastic, rubber or |
| football players. Football involves contact, whether | | | | other "suitable" material (meaning safe material)iii) Must |
| legitimate or not, and this is why Law 4 prohibits all | | | | provide reasonable protection |
| forms of jewellery, even for match officials. Even | | | | The use of cardboard guards therefore violate |
| taping or covering the jewellery is not allowed; all | | | | stipulations ii) and iii) |
| jewellery must be removed. | | | | Footwear-This should not have pegs that are |
| == Basic equipment == | | | | dangerous to other players (pointed pegs for instance). |
| Law 4 allows the following compulsory equipment for | | | | ==Team colours == |
| all players (goalkeepers included) | | | | Match officials check that team colours comply with |
| Jersey or shirt with sleeves-Cameroon once wore | | | | Law 4, meaning that they do not conflict with the |
| sleeveless shirts during the African Nations Cup. | | | | colours used by the other team, the referee and |
| However, FIFA prohibited that. This also suggests that | | | | assistant referees. In addition, the goalkeepers' colours |
| players must not roll their sleeves to their shoulders as | | | | must be distinguished from that of other players, the |
| well. In addition, players can wear long sleeved jerseys. | | | | referee and assistant referees. |
| It is customary for players to wear undershirts as well; | | | | Naturally, goalkeepers use gloves as part of their basic |
| FIFA stipulates that the colour of the sleeves of | | | | equipment. Players can use gloves as well. However, |
| undergarments should be the same colour as the main | | | | the referee must inspect and deem safe any clothing |
| colour of the sleeves of the team jersey. | | | | or equipment (headgear, facemasks and protectors) |
| Shorts-Goalkeepers are the only players who can | | | | worn by players outside of the basic compulsory |
| wear tracksuit bottoms as part of their basic | | | | equipment. Player numbers on shirts and shorts are |
| equipment. Outfield players must wear shorts. Law 4 | | | | not mandatory but are commonplace because they |
| specifies that if players wear undergarments (tights for | | | | help the match officials and organisers in properly |
| instance), then they should be the same colour as the | | | | administering the game. |
| main colour of the shorts. | | | | |