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

Lamine Yamal Enjoys a Helicopter Ride and Responds to Guti During Vacation

Aside from Spain’s loss to Portugal in the UEFA Nations League final,…

Dean Smith shares insights on his journey with Charlotte FC, his fatherly role with Jack Grealish, and reveals the ‘irreplaceable’ Aston Villa player.

Sheltered away from the brutal heat wave that has swept across America,…

Introducing Three of Britain’s Teen Tennis Stars Balancing School and the Quest for Grand Slam Success

Mika Stojsavljevic, 16, is preparing for her GCSE exams in Loughborough on…

David Beckham Honored with Country Life ‘Birthday Tribute’ as Knighthood Awaits

David Beckham is expected to receive a knighthood in King Charles’ Birthday…

Gareth Southgate Reveals Surprising Insight About England Role Following Former Manager’s Knighthood

Gareth Southgate has admitted he does not miss managing England following his decision…

Milos Kerkez: Liverpool’s Rising Star Who Impressed Paolo Maldini – ‘Exceptional Talent’

Big changes are ahead for Liverpool new boy Milos Kerkez in the…

Newcastle’s Victory Against Tottenham Activates Chelsea Transfer Clause

Newcastle’s crushing victory over Tottenham has all-but confirmed the signing of Lewis…

IN-DEPTH CHELSEA: Unveiling Enzo Maresca’s Club World Cup Strategies, Reasons Behind Possible Drop in Pursuing Alejandro Garnacho, and Acknowledging Love Island

Back in 1976, Philadelphia Eagles head coach Dick Vermeil asked the team’s supporters…

Paul Pogba Teases Fans with Mysterious Social Media Post as He Nears Move to Champions League Team Following 18-Month Doping Suspension

Paul Pogba has posted a mysterious message on social media as he…

Chelsea Advised Against Approving Unexpected Transfer Following Club World Cup Victory

Chelsea might be busy in the transfer market but latest developments might…

Rangers Insider: Grateful Andrew Cavenagh is Taking a Tough Stance in Transfers After Previous Management’s Shortcomings

Rangers chairman Andrew Cavenagh’s announcement that the board will remain ‘opaque’ over…

Arsenal Goalkeeper Sports Comical Stag Do Attire on Las Vegas Flight

Stag dos are a worldwide tradition in wedding culture. After the groom-to-be…