5 Five major football rule changes for 2025/2026 season (Full List)

The International Football Association Board (IFAB) has introduced five major modifications to the Laws of the Game from the 2025/26 football season. These updates will make their official debut during the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, which will be held in the United States.

1. Goalkeeper Possession Time

Under the revised law, goalkeepers will now be limited to holding the ball for a maximum of eight seconds. Should they exceed this time limit, the opposition will be awarded a corner kick, replacing the previously standard indirect free kick. This change is aimed at discouraging time-wasting and promoting more fluid play.

2. Ball Drop Scenarios

When play is stopped and the ball is outside the penalty area, possession is awarded to the team that clearly had control. If possession is unclear, the restart is given to the team that last touched the ball.

3. Contact Outside the Field of Play

If a substitute, coach, or dismissed player accidentally touches the ball while it is going out of play, the restart will be an indirect free kick. No disciplinary action or cards will be issued.

4. VAR Communication Options

Competitions may choose whether referees verbally explain VAR decisions to the audience or keep the details private, based on the tournament’s specific regulations.

5. Assistant Referee Positioning

Assistant referees will now align themselves along the penalty spot line instead of the goal line. This adjustment is intended to enhance accuracy in goal-line decisions and offside calls, supported by VAR technology.

Additional Innovations:

Referee Body Cameras: FIFA will pilot the use of referee body cameras during the Club World Cup, offering fans a unique, real-time perspective from the referee’s point of view.

Referee Communication Protocols: In certain situations, only team captains will be allowed to communicate directly with the referee. This measure aims to increase respect and minimize congestion around match officials.