London, Jul 12 (IANS): The first ever rule book of football - set in 1858 - is to be auctioned and is expected to fetch a handsome 1.2 million pounds.
The laws were laid down by the world's oldest club, Sheffield FC, which is now selling the rule book listing them to raise cash, The Sun reported.
The 11 rules in the book were called the Sheffield Rules. They, however, bear very little similarity to the modern game.
Football matches lasted for two hours and there were 20 players in a team.
Handballs were allowed and it was also okay to catch the ball if it had not touched the ground.
The old rules formed the basis for the Football Association's Laws of the Game in 1863, which are considered the blueprint for modern football.