IFAB releases new laws ahead of Club World Cup

IFAB confirms 2025/26 Law changes: captain-only talks to ref, stricter keeper time rules, offside tweaks, new dropped ball, VAR announcements.

David Raya is among goalkeepers under the spotlight for time-wasting antics, will he be caught in the web of the new laws? (Photo credit: GOAL)

Changes to the Laws of the Game for the 2025/26 season from the International Federation of Association Football (IFAB):

 

Amendment to Law 3 – Players:

Only the team captain is allowed to speak to the referee during the match, not all players.

Amendment to Law 5 – Referees:

The referee will use a countdown signal for the last (5) seconds of the (8) seconds allowed for the goalkeeper.

Amendment to Law 8 – Dropped Ball:

If play is stopped and the ball is inside the penalty area or last touched inside it → it is dropped to the defending team's goalkeeper.

In other cases (outside the penalty area):

The ball is dropped to a player from the team that would have had possession of it (if this is clear to the referee).

If this is not clear, it is dropped to a player from the team that last touched the ball.

The ball is dropped where it was when play was stopped.

Law 9 – Ball Position (In Play/Out of Play):

If a coach or substitute player (or a player temporarily out of play) touches the ball while it is still in play but clearly on its way out, with the intention of accelerating play:

An indirect free kick is awarded to the opposing team.

No disciplinary sanction (such as a caution or sending-off) is imposed unless there are repeated offences, such as repeated departures from the technical area.

Amendment to Law 11 – Offside:

When the ball is played or touched, the first point of contact is used to determine offside.

But if the goalie touches the ball, the last contact is used to determine offside, as it is clearer and more accurate.

Amendment to Law 12 – Fouls and Misconduct:

If the goalkeeper holds the ball with his hand/arm for more than 8 seconds, a corner kick is awarded to the opposing team from the nearest flank.

The goalkeeper is not cautioned unless he repeats the offence.

An indirect free kick is still awarded in the following cases:

Control of the ball for more than (6) seconds without releasing it. 

Handling the ball after releasing it, before it touches another player.

Handling it after an intentional pass or throw-in from a teammate, unless he clearly attempts to play it with his foot.

Amendment to Law 16 – Goal Kick:

A goal kick is awarded if the ball has completely crossed the goal line, no goal has been scored, and the last touch was by a player from the attacking team.

 With reference to other relevant laws: 8, 10, 13, 15

Amendment to Law 17 – Corner Kick:

A corner kick is awarded if the ball has completely crossed the goal line after being touched by a defending player, without a goal being scored.

With reference to relevant laws: 8, 12, 13, 15, 16.

The kick is taken from the corner nearest to the point where the ball went out of play or to the goalkeeper's position when penalised (e.g., 8 seconds late).

Video Assistant Referee (VAR) Protocol:

Upon completion of the review, the referee must show the "TV screen" signal and announce the final decision.

Competitions may also implement a system that allows the referee to publicly explain the decision after a VAR review or extended check, in accordance with FIFA guidelines and the VAR Manual.