Off The Ball
What does “off the ball” stand for in football?
What is called “off the ball”?
What is the meaning of “off the ball”?
Off The Ball (OTB) is used to describe events or actions on the pitch which occur with players when they are not with the ball. Such incidents are usually a fight, a late challenge or an injury.
Often the referee misses these off the ball incidents. But then the assistant referees or the linesmen observe then and inform the referee who takes the necessary action. A (in)famous example of an “off the ball” incident occurred in the final of the 2006 Germany World Cup when French maestro Zinedine Zidane headbutted the Italian defender Marco Materrazzi. The referee appeared to have missed it but then the assistant referee did and Zidane was subsequently sent off.