The International Football Association Board (IFAB) has approved five major rule updates for the 2025/26 football season.
These changes will debut at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup in the United States. Fans and analysts on ESPN and CBS Sports are already discussing their potential impact.
1. Goalkeeper Possession Limited to Eight Seconds
Goalkeepers may now hold the ball for only eight seconds. Exceeding this time gives the opposition a corner kick instead of an indirect free kick. The countdown will start at the five‑second mark to alert keepers and spectators. This aims to reduce time-wasting and speed up play.
2. Clarified Ball‑Drop Restarts
When play stops outside the penalty area, a drop ball goes to the team that clearly had control. If no one controlled it last, the ball returns to the last player who touched it. This update brings clarity and fairness to restarts.
3. Accidental Off‑Field Contact
If a coach, substitute, or sent‑off player accidentally touches the ball as it leaves play, the restart is an indirect free kick. No disciplinary action or cards will be given. This prevents needless penalties for innocent incidents.
4. Flexible VAR Communication
Tournaments can choose whether referees explain VAR decisions aloud to fans or keep them private. This rule lets competitions tailor transparency based on audience preferences and TV regulations.
5. Assistant Referees Aligned on Penalty Spot Line
Assistant referees will stand on the penalty spot line instead of the goal line. This adjustment, supported by VAR, improves vision for goal-line and offside decisions. Better alignment means more accurate calls.
Referee Body Cameras Pilot at Club World Cup
FIFA will test referee body cameras at the 2025 Club World Cup. The cameras will stream from each official’s perspective, giving fans a referee’s-eye view of the game. This innovation aims to bring fans closer to the action and improve referee training.
“Only Captains May Speak to Referees” Rule
Under the new protocol, only team captains may approach the referee to ask questions or lodge concerns. This initiative seeks to reduce player dissent and protect referees from surrounding crowds during matches.
Gear up like a pro and stay ready for these changes. Check out this men’s soccer cleats bundle on Amazon or this match ball and pump kit on Amazon to elevate your game experience.
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