The 17 football laws which govern football were drawn up in 1863 and they have basically remained the same, with only minor changes over the years.

The first law - which deals with the playing dimensions, size of goals and football pitch markings - has not changed significantly, although there have been experiments through the years in regards of this rule.

One such experiment took place during a Scottish Cup competition in the 1970s, with an extended line marked from the edge of the penalty boxes to the touchline in front of which players could not be offside, but it did not catch on.

Offside is the one law that has been tampered with over the years in favour of the attacking team to try to discourage negative football play.

The latest rule change regarding whether players are active or inactive has confused the issue more and put more pressure on referees. It is no wonder that many people claim the offside rule should be scrapped altogether.

In another move to cut out negative play and time-wasting, in 1992 goalkeepers were not permitted to handle a backpass, which led to goalkeepers having to becoming more proficient in their kicking.

The substitutes rule were only initially allowed to cover for injured players, but in recent times the number has grown to accommodate tactical changes.

The interpretation of the foul play rules have also changed through the years, with the shoulder charge on the goalkeeper now outlawed and the tackle from behind now a sending-off(red-card)offense.