Share this @internewscast.com

At a time when there were no throw-ins and teams could get a free-kick instead of a corner-kick, football rules were very different in 1863 to what they are today.

The oldest known manuscript of the Cambridge football rules from 160 years ago have been put up for auction by Sotheby’s and is estimated to receive between £20,000 and £30,000.

It features a set of rules that were established by a committee in October 1863 for use at Cambridge University Football Club. 

Notable rules introduced was that the game did not allow for the handling of the ball and allowed only limited physical contact in which ‘holding, pushing with the hands, tripping up and shinning’ were forbidden. 

The oldest manuscript of Cambridge football rules from 1863 has been put up for auction

The oldest manuscript of Cambridge football rules from 1863 has been put up for auction

Rules at the time saw a kick-in rather than a throw-in and corner kicks had not yet been introduced

Rules at the time saw a kick-in rather than a throw-in and corner kicks had not yet been introduced

As per Sotheby’s, the leaflet was printed for circulation around the university to advertise the club and its next match match on November 20, 1863 – so players could familiarise themselves with the rules.

The starting bid for the Cambridge University Football rules is £18,000. 

The leaflet contains 14 rules, with the most eye-catching ones compared to today’s game being rules six and seven. 

Rule six states: ‘When the ball goes out of the ground by crossing the side lines, it is out of play and shall be kicked straight into the ground again from the point where it first stopped.’

When the ball goes out of play on the side-lines today, the ball is thrown back onto the pitch.

Meanwhile rule seven states: ‘When a player has kicked the ball behind the opponent’s goal line, whoever first touches the ball when it is on the ground with his hand may have a free kick, bringing the ball 25 yards straight out from the goal line.’

Corner kicks were not introduced until 1868 when they were first used in Sheffield – with the FA introducing them in 1872.

A copy of Cambridge University rules printed in 1856, is said to be at Shrewsbury School – and those rules did not specify the size of the pitch or the goals. 

There are two known copies of the 1859 rules printed for the world’s first football club, Sheffield FC which have previously been sold in auctions at Sotheby’s. 

The manuscript which contains 14 rules in total is estimated to receive between £20,000 and £30,000

The manuscript which contains 14 rules in total is estimated to receive between £20,000 and £30,000

IT’S ALL KICKING OFF! 

It’s All Kicking Off is an exciting new podcast from Mail Sport that promises a different take on Premier League football.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like

Heartfelt Tribute: Liverpool Squad Gathers to Honor Diogo Jota, with Virgil van Dijk and Andrew Robertson Leading the Tribute at His Funeral

Liverpool players were applauded as they arrived to attend Diogo Jota’s funeral…

Leah Williamson, Lionesses Captain, Stars in Calvin Klein Underwear Campaign Ahead of Women’s Euros

Lionesses captain Leah Williamson stripped down to her underwear as she modelled…

Lionel Messi’s Contract Status with Inter Miami Unveiled Amid Rumors of Negotiations with Saudi Arabian Club

A significant development in the contract discussions between Lionel Messi and Inter…

Ex-MLB Pitcher Daniel Serafini Shows No Emotion During Prosecutors’ Closing Arguments in Murder Case

Former Major League Baseball pitcher Daniel Serafini was pictured sitting through the…

Adidas Highlights the Spirit of Competition in New Film for UEFA Women’s EURO 2025

In anticipation of the UEFA Women’s EURO 2025, adidas has launched an…

Aaron Ramsdale Celebrates Italian Wedding with Famous Premier League Star

Two years following their low-key ceremony at a registry office in London,…

Fans Overwhelm Gravesite to Take Photos, Prompting Police Response

Police have been called to Diogo Jota’s graveside as fans started snapping photos…

Transfer Scoop: Tottenham Preparing Enhanced Bid for Mohammed Kudus, Updates on Ethan Nwaneri’s Arsenal Deal, Nottingham Forest’s Search for Anthony Elanga Alternatives, and the Latest on Jack Grealish’s Future

TOTTENHAM are expected to make an improved bid for WEST HAM forward…

Wolves reveal 2025/26 home jersey with a distinctive new design

Wolverhampton Wanderers have revealed their new home shirt for the 2025/26 season…

Dominic Calvert-Lewin in Negotiations for Free Transfer to Top-Tier European Club

Dominic Calvert-Lewin has held fresh talks with Newcastle, talkSPORT understands. Calvert-Lewin is…