Off playing football? (4)
I believe the answer is:
away
'off' is the definition.
(synonyms)
I don't understand the remainder of the clue.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for away that I've seen before include "Elsewhere" , "SECOND PART OF 4 DOWN" , "At a distance; match" , "Location of match played on opponent's ground" , "Detached" .)