Football is getting a major update. Starting July 1, 2025, the International Football Association Board (IFAB) has approved sweeping changes to the Laws of the Game for the 2025/26 season, aiming to reduce delays, clarify ambiguity, and enhance integrity.
1. Goalkeepers Capped at 8 Seconds — or It’s a Corner
The beloved tactic of holding the ball until the whistle is gone.
Under the new Law 12.2, goalkeepers now have just eight seconds to release the ball before conceding a corner kick—an indirect free-kick is no longer sufficient. To aid enforcement, referees will visually count down the last five seconds with a hand signal.
“This change targets time-wasting tactics that have plagued matches for years,” explained IFAB. TalkSport+1
2. Dropped-Ball Revamp for Fairer Restarts
Old rules often led to confusion, especially inside the box.
Now, if play stops inside the penalty area, the ball is dropped directly to the defending goalkeeper. Otherwise, it goes to the team with clear possession or, if unclear, to whoever last touched it. downloads.theifab.comtheifab.com
3. No Cards for Accidental Off-Pitch Contact
When stray touches happen—like a coach nudging the ball as it leaves the field—it’s no longer punishable. The restart? An indirect free-kick, with no disciplinary sanctions unless interference was intentional. downloads.theifab.comtheifab.com
4. VAR Gets a Voice
Transparency takes center stage.
Referees now have the option to publicly explain VAR decisions and must signal the standard review “TV screen” gesture. downloads.theifab.comThe Sun
5. Only the Captain Talks to the Ref
To curb dissent and protect refs, only the team captain may approach them with questions—helping keep interactions respectful and orderly. downloads.theifab.comtheifab.com
6. Assistants Align with the Penalty Spot
For offside and penalty-area calls, assistant referees will now stand directly in line with the penalty spot, not the goal line—enhancing accuracy and clarity. The SunTalkSport
7. Clarifying the Double-Touch Penalty
Penalties can now be retaken if an accidental double-touch (like slipping) leads to a goal. If it's intentional, the play is dead—no goal. Diario AS
