What constitutes a "foul"?

A foul is defined as an infringement of the Laws of the Game. In soccer, the Laws of the Game outline specific actions that are considered fouls, such as tripping, pushing, or holding an opponent. These infringements can lead to free kicks or penalty kicks, which can directly impact the outcome of a match.

While minor violations might occur, they do not necessarily qualify as fouls unless they align with the specific definitions provided in the Laws. Moreover, errors made by referees or instances of verbal abuse do not fall under the definition of a foul but may relate to referee management and game integrity. Thus, understanding fouls in terms of the specific laws governing play is essential for interpreting game scenarios accurately.