Major Changes Coming to Football Rules

The International Football Association Board (IFAB), the body responsible for the formulation of football laws, has announced several significant rule changes effective from the 2025–26 season.

The most widely discussed amendment concerns penalty kicks. Last season, during the Champions League Round of 16 clash between Atlético Madrid and Real Madrid, a controversial incident involving Julian Álvarez sparked debate. While taking a penalty, Álvarez inadvertently touched the ball twice due to slipping. Although a goal was scored, VAR overturned it, cancelling the goal.

Under the new rule:

• If a player touches the ball twice unintentionally during a penalty kick, the goal will no longer be disallowed.
• Instead, the penalty will be retaken.

This change aims to prevent controversial goal cancellations due to minor technical infractions

To reduce time-wasting by goalkeepers, a new regulation has been introduced:

• A goalkeeper can now hold the ball in hand for a maximum of 8 seconds.
• In the final 5 seconds, the referee will signal and count.
• Violation: Instead of awarding an indirect free-kick, the opposing team will receive a corner kick.

The rule has already been enforced at the Club World Cup, where Ronwen Williams, goalkeeper for Mamelodi Sundowns, was penalised for exceeding the time limit.

Another new condition addresses player conduct and protests:

• Only the team captain may communicate with the referee in certain situations.

This measure is designed to:

• Minimise unnecessary arguments and confrontations.
• Promote a fair and respectful playing environment.

Summary Table of Key Changes

IFAB’s updates aim to enhance fairness, reduce controversies, and restore discipline on the field, ensuring matches are conducted in a respectful and transparent manner.