⚽ Summary of the Laws of the Game Changes for the 2025/26 Season 🚀
IFAB has introduced a series of changes to the Laws of the Game for the 2025/26 season.
From goalkeeper signaling and modifications to dropped balls and offside, to a revised approach to off-field behavior – here’s everything you need to know, clearly explained.
Lace up your boots, grab your whistle, and let’s begin! ⚽
🧍♂️ Law 3 – The Players
- ➕ New note: encouragement for competition organizers to adopt the “Captain Only” guidance
👉 The aim is to improve on-field behavior and strengthen communication between players and referees.
🧑⚖️ Law 5 – The Referee
- ✋ Introduction of a new signal for referees to count down the final five seconds of the eight-second limit for goalkeepers controlling the ball with their hand/arm:
📍 left arm raised, counting down on fingers from 5 to 0
⚽ Law 8 – The Start and Restart of Play
Dropped Ball:
- ⚽ Inside the penalty area → dropped for the goalkeeper of the defending team
- ⚽ Outside the penalty area:
- Ball dropped for the team that would have gained possession (if clear to the referee)
- Otherwise – for the team that last touched the ball
🔸 Ball dropped at the spot where play was stopped
Explanation:
There are situations where the ball would clearly have gone to the opponent of the team that last touched it. In such cases, it is fairer to drop the ball to the team that would have gained possession, provided it is clear to the referee. Outside the penalty area, the ball will now be dropped at the location where it was when play stopped.
🔄 Law 9 – The Ball In and Out of Play
- 👥 If:
- a team official
- a substitute/substituted/dismissed player
- or a player temporarily off the field
touches the ball before it leaves the field of play, without dishonest intent:- 👉 play is restarted with an indirect free kick
- 🚫 no disciplinary sanction applies
Explanation:
Occasionally, a coach, substitute, or temporarily off-field player may touch the ball while it is still in play, with the intention of helping to restart play quickly. In such cases, an indirect free kick will be awarded, but no disciplinary sanction will follow.
🚩 Law 11 – Offside
- ⚽ During a goalkeeper’s throw, the last point of contact with the ball is now used as the reference for determining offside position.
Explanation:
The first point of contact with the ball is normally used to determine whether a player is in an offside position. However, when the ball is thrown by the goalkeeper, the last point of contact should be used, as it provides a clearer and more consistent reference point.
⛔ Law 12 – Fouls and Misconduct
- 🕒 When a goalkeeper controls the ball with the hand/arm for more than 8 seconds:
- 👉 sanction = corner kick (for the opponents)
- 📍 From the corner nearest to the goalkeeper’s position
Explanation:
If a goalkeeper controls the ball with the hand(s)/arm(s) for more than eight seconds, the referee will now award a corner kick (instead of an indirect free kick) from the side of the field nearest to the goalkeeper’s position at the time of the offence. No disciplinary sanction applies unless the goalkeeper repeatedly commits the offence. To assist goalkeepers, the referee will signal the final five seconds with a raised arm and a countdown on fingers.
🎥 VAR Protocol
- 📢 Following successful trials, referees now have the option to announce and explain decisions after:
- a VAR review
- or a lengthy VAR check
🧭 Practical Guidelines for Referees
- 👨⚖️ During a penalty kick:
- The assistant referee should stand at the intersection of the goal line and penalty area
- If technology is available (e.g., GLT/VAR):
- ➡️ The assistant may position on the touchline, level with the penalty mark (offside line)
References
- Outline summary of Law changes (IFAB)
https://downloads.theifab.com/downloads/changes-to-the-laws-of-the-game-2025-26
