FULL LIST: Five major football rule changes for 2025/2026 season

The International Football Association Board (IFAB) has introduced five major modifications to the Laws of the Game from the 2025/26 football season. These updates will make their official debut during the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, which will be held in the United States.
Under the revised law, goalkeepers will now be limited to holding the ball for a maximum of eight seconds. Should they exceed this time limit, the opposition will be awarded a corner kick, replacing the previously standard indirect free kick. This change is aimed at discouraging time-wasting and promoting more fluid play.
When play is stopped and the ball is outside the penalty area, possession is awarded to the team that clearly had control. If possession is unclear, the restart is given to the team that last touched the ball.
If a substitute, coach, or dismissed player accidentally touches the ball while it is going out of play, the restart will be an indirect free kick. No disciplinary action or cards will be issued.
Competitions may choose whether referees verbally explain VAR decisions to the audience or keep the details private, based on the tournament’s specific regulations.
Assistant referees will now align themselves along the penalty spot line instead of the goal line. This adjustment is intended to enhance accuracy in goal-line decisions and offside calls, supported by VAR technology.
Referee Body Cameras: FIFA will pilot the use of referee body cameras during the Club World Cup, offering fans a unique, real-time perspective from the referee’s point of view.
Referee Communication Protocols: In certain situations, only team captains will be allowed to communicate directly with the referee. This measure aims to increase respect and minimize congestion around match officials.