The International Football Association Board (IFAB) confirmed the modifications to some rules that will be applied in the 2025/26 season of professional soccer.
These new provisions seek to improve the flow of the game, avoid time wasting and strengthen communication between players and referees. These changes will affect everything from the conduct of goalkeepers to the VAR protocol.
Goalkeepers
One of the most talked about soccer rules is the one that directly affects goalkeepers.
Starting this summer, if the goalkeeper holds the ball with his hands for more than eight seconds, the referee will penalize the team with a corner kick instead of the traditional indirect free kick.
These new provisions seek to improve the fluidity of the game
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FIFA stated that this modification seeks to eliminate the practice of intentionally wasting time.
The referee shall count the eight seconds quietly, and raise his hand for the last five seconds as a visual signal.
The count begins as soon as the referee considers that the goalkeeper has full control of the ball, regardless of whether he is standing or on the ground.
More important changes
Other soccer rule changes approved by IFAB include:
Only the captain may approach the referee to discuss decisions, in order to reduce mass protests and improve respect for the match officials.
On ground ball plays, the referee will award possession to the team that clearly had control of the ball, depending on the area of the field.
If a player, coach or substitute touches the ball just before it leaves the field without unsporting intent, it will be penalized with an indirect free kick, but without a card.
Buzzy
In the case of offside, when the goalkeeper throws the ball with his hand, the last point of contact will be taken as a reference, in order to have a more accurate measurement.
As for VAR, competitions that decide to do so will be able to have the referee publicly announce the decision after a review, similar to what already happens in other sports such as American soccer.
These changes will apply to leagues that follow FIFA regulations, including MLS in the United States.
For Hispanic fans, it is key to be informed, as these adjustments will affect the development of important matches both locally and internationally.
For more information, visit QueOnnda.com.
