First Football Rulebook Up For Auction at Sotheby’s

First Football Rulebook Goes Under The Hammer At Sotheby's Auction House, London

Football has certainly changed in leaps and bounds as shown in the first football rulebook up for auction this week on on course to fetch a massive £1.2million.

The rules, known as the 11 laws, were laid down by the world’s oldest football club, Sheffield FC in 1858, and this little gem is being sold in order to raise much needed cash for the club.

Back in the day, early strips consisted of a red or dark flannel cap, there were 20 players a side, a match lasted for 2 hours and handballs were allowed.

Sheffield’s 1859 rules were introduced in an attempt to control a game that was still halfway between football and rugby and formed the foundation for the FA Laws of the game in 1863 which is rekowned as the blueprint for modern football today.

In 1869 goal kicks were introduced and corners made their debut in 1871.

In 1878 the ref got their whistles and penalties followed in 1891.

The historic first rulebook is part of an incredible football archive that is being put up for sale by Sheffield FC at London’s Southeby’s Auction house on Thursday and the money raised is going towards helping the club secure its future.

“If you are looking for a piece of football history.

“This is the ultimate prize”, said Club Chairman Richard Tims.