The International Football Association Board (IFAB) has approved several changes to the Laws of the Game, which will come into effect on July 1, 2025. The key changes include:
- Goalkeeper time-wasting: Goalkeepers will now have 8 seconds to release the ball, and if they fail to do so, a corner kick will be awarded to the opposing team. Referee clearly indicates the last 5 seconds.
- Team captain guidelines: New guidelines have been introduced for team captains approaching referees. The goal is to promote respect and reduce dissent.
- Dropped ball rule: If the ball is outside the penalty area when play is stopped, it will be dropped for the team that had or would have gained possession in the referee’s opinion. Otherwise, dropped ball for the team that last touched the ball.
- Ball in play rule: An indirect free kick will be awarded if a team official, substitute, or sent-off player touches the ball as it’s leaving the field of play.
- *VAR protocol: Competitions can now opt for the referee to make an announcement after a VAR review or lengthy VAR check.
Practical guidelines for match officials: During penalty kicks, the assistant referee should be positioned in line with the penalty mark (offside line) during goal/no goal decisions and goalkeeper encroachment, as the VAR can monitor these situations.
These changes aim to promote fair play, reduce time-wasting, and improve the overall flow of the game.