Members of Ifab (International Football Association Board), responsible for the rules of the football game soccermeet seasonally to deliberate on possible changes to the rules.
In a virtual meeting of the IFAB Football and Technical Advisory Panels, chaired by Noel MooneyChief Executive of the Football Association of Wales, discussions covered a wide range of topics, with a particular focus on additional measures to improve the flow of play and minimize interruptions and lost time.
Following an update on positive global feedback regarding the successful implementation of new rules to prevent goalkeepers from holding the ball for too long (an eight-second limit, along with a five-second visual countdown by the referee and the awarding of a corner for infringements), further ways to improve the flow of the match and reduce downtime in play were discussed.
Deliberations included whether to apply the countdown principle to throw-ins and goal kicks, and how to reduce time lost due to stoppages caused by injuries and substitutions.
Regarding the video assistant referee (VAR) protocol, it was discussed that, among other things, video referees should have the possibility to intervene when a second yellow card is incorrectly applied.
A proposal to this effect will be submitted to the IFAB Annual Business Meeting, which is expected to take place in January 20, 2026in London.
They found that the implementation of the “Captain Only” guidelines was widely well received, helping to promote more respectful interactions between referees and players, as well as improving the overall image of the game. Although the guidelines are currently optional, it recommended that they become a mandatory protocol in the Rules of the Game, thus giving competitions sufficient time to prepare.
It was informed about the ongoing testing of an alternative offside concept and its members were invited to share their views on the need for changes to the rule. They were asked to consider whether the main objective should be to reduce offside decisions based on dubious criteria in modern football to promote more attacking play. Members agreed that the issue required additional analysis and testing before any decision could be made.
They also received updates on developments in advanced semi-automatic offside technology and the ongoing FIFA-led trial of the Football Video Support System (FVS), both of which have been successfully implemented in FIFA competitions. Additionally, she was informed about current trials with referees using body cameras, both at professional and amateur levels.
The IFAB Football and Coaching Advisory Panels bring together football experts from around the world. The Football Advisory Panel (FAP) includes former players and coaches, as well as representatives from international football organizations; The Technical Advisory Panel (TAP) is made up of refereeing experts from all confederations and members of the IFAB Technical Subcommittee. The next IFAB meeting will be the Annual Business Meeting, on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, in London, England, where the agenda for the Annual General Meeting, scheduled for Saturday, February 28, 2026, in Hensol, Wales, will be defined.
