The real reason for the centre circle in football and what it's actually used for may surprise fans

Although football fans are used to seeing a match kick off from the circle in the centre of the pitch, many of them don't know the reason why it is a circle.

If there's one thing that football fans like to do, it's claim that they know everything that there is to know about the sport and the club that they support.

However, with the first professional football game in England taking place over two centuries ago in 1885, it's safe to say that there is plenty of facts about the beautiful game that many fans will have never heard about.

And one of those might be to do with the famous centre circle, which was first introduced in 1891 as part of a major overhaul to rules of football matches.

But what is the purpose of the centre circle, and what role does it play in the modern game?

The centre circle was first introduced in 1891. (Image: Getty)

No matter where in the world you are playing, every professional football match will begin with a kick-off at the middle of the centre circle on the pitch, with the process again repeated following each goal and at the start of the second half.

Although the centre circle doesn't actually matter during open play, it's role is essential in making sure that all match kick-offs are fair for both teams.

This is because the diameter of the centre circle ensures that opponents are at least 10 yards away from the ball at kick-off, with rules stating that a player cannot enter the circle until the ball has been played.

According to IFAB's Law 8.1: "All players, except the player taking the kick-off, must be in their own half of the field of play. The opponents of the team taking the kick-off must be at least 9.15 m (10 yds) from the ball until it is in play."

This rule arguably became even more important in 2016 when the rules were changed, allowing teams to kick the ball backward from kickoff.

Players must stand within the centre circle during a penalty shootout. (Image: Getty)

But it's not just during kick off that the centre circle plays an important role, as it is also needed during a penalty shootout.

To prevent players from interfering with their opponents during the shootout, all players on the field, excluding the two goalkeepers and the penalty taker, must stands inside the centre circle until the shootout has been completed.