IFAB introduces new football rules ahead of 2025/26 season

The International Football Association Board (IFAB) has introduced a series of major rule changes set to take effect from the 2025/26 football season.

These revisions aim to improve fairness, increase the pace of play, and enhance the overall experience for players, officials, and fans alike.

One of the key changes is a new eight-second limit on how long goalkeepers can hold the ball. If exceeded, the opposing team will now be awarded a corner kick instead of the previous indirect free kick.

To improve clarity during ball drop situations, possession will now remain with the team that clearly had control of the ball when play was stopped outside the penalty area. In cases where possession was unclear, the ball will go to the last team to touch it.

Another adjustment focuses on accidental contact with the ball by coaches, substitutes, or dismissed players outside the field of play. Such incidents will no longer result in disciplinary action; instead, an indirect free kick will be awarded to the opposition.

Efforts to boost transparency in officiating will also allow referees to explain VAR decisions verbally to spectators, depending on the competition’s choice. Assistant referees will adopt a new positioning strategy, aligning themselves with the penalty spot rather than the goal line to enhance decision-making accuracy, particularly in offside and goal-line situations.

Controversy over penalty kicks is also being addressed.

If a player accidentally touches the ball with both feet while taking a penalty and scores, the kick will now be retaken rather than disallowed. This follows incidents that caused debate in top-tier matches.

Among the most anticipated innovations is the use of referee body cameras during the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup in the United States.

This measure aims to give fans a first-hand view of referee perspectives and decisions on the field. Additionally, in a move inspired by rugby, only team captains will be allowed to communicate with referees during specified situations, a step intended to reduce crowding and pressure on officials.

These changes will make their first appearance during the Club World Cup and are expected to shape a more dynamic and transparent future for the global game.