Happy days for Fifa, but foul play lurks in the rules

After putting on what was widely considered the best World Cup, Fifa is unlikely to make wholesale changes to the way the game is played, but at the professional level there are issues that need addressing.

Football's authorities are proud of the fact that the sport's 17 laws have remained fundamentally unchanged for more than 100 years but, in reality, there have been regular adjustments and shifts of emphasis that have altered many aspects of the game.

The definition of foul play is the same now as it was in 1950 yet tackles that were considered part and parcel of the game then would be immediately penalised now and perhaps draw a yellow or red card - innovations introduced in 1970.

The offside law was once black and white, routinely explained to the uninitiated with salt and pepper pots.

Now there is a whole "active" element to benefit the attacking side that means even experts and pundits can disagree over whether a player is on or off.