OFFICIAL: New IFAB Rule Changes for the 2025/26 Season — What You Need to Know
The International Football Association Board (IFAB) has officially announced a number of updates to the Laws of the Game that will take effect starting from the 2025/26 football season. These changes aim to improve fairness, clarity, and flow in professional football across all levels.
Below is a full breakdown of the new amendments:
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⚖️ 1. Law 3 – Players
Only the team captain is permitted to speak to the referee during a match.
This is designed to improve respect and reduce player dissent.
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🧍♂️ 2. Law 5 – Referees
Referees will now use a countdown signal during the final 5 seconds of the 8 seconds allowed for a goalkeeper to release the ball.
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⚽ 3. Law 8 – Dropped Ball
If the ball was inside or last touched inside the penalty area when play is stopped → it is dropped to the defending team’s goalkeeper.
Outside the penalty area:
If possession is clear → dropped to that team.
If unclear → dropped to the last team that touched the ball.
Location: wherever the ball was when play stopped.
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📍 4. Law 9 – Ball In/Out of Play
If a coach or substitute touches the ball (while it’s in play but clearly going out) to speed up the game:
An indirect free kick is awarded to the opposing team.
No card is issued unless the behavior is repeated.
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🚩 5. Law 11 – Offside
For offside calls:
First point of contact is used when the ball is played.
If goalkeeper handles the ball, the last point of contact is the reference for determining offside.
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🧤 6. Law 12 – Fouls and Misconduct
If the goalkeeper holds the ball for more than 8 seconds:
The opponent is awarded a corner kick from the nearest side.
A caution is only given for repeated infractions.
An indirect free kick still applies if:
The ball is held for more than 6 seconds.
The ball is handled again after being released.
The ball is handled after a back pass or throw-in unless the keeper attempts to play with the foot.
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🥅 7. Law 16 – Goal Kick
A goal kick is awarded if the ball fully crosses the goal line, no goal is scored, and the last touch came from the attacking team.
Consistent with Laws 8, 10, 13, 15.
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🏳️ 8. Law 17 – Corner Kick
A corner is awarded when the ball crosses the goal line after being touched by a defender, with no goal scored.
The kick is taken from the nearest corner to:
Where the ball went out, or
The goalkeeper’s location if penalized for time violations.
References Laws 8, 12, 13, 15, 16.
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📺 9. VAR Protocol Updates
Referees must now:
Show the “TV screen” signal and
Announce the final decision after a VAR review.
Competitions may implement a system allowing referees to publicly explain decisions, following FIFA guidelines.
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📌 Final Thoughts:
These amendments signal a significant step toward improving match discipline, enhancing transparency, and maintaining the flow of the game. Teams, players, and fans should familiarize themselves with these rules ahead of the new season.
