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Bury & Rochdale Referees' Association
Get ready for a new season of football, because the beautiful game is changing. The International Football Association Board (IFAB) has introduced a number of significant law changes for the 2025/26 season, all designed to improve the flow of the game, reduce time-wasting, and enhance fairness. Here’s a breakdown of the three key rules you need to know about.
The 8-Second Goalkeeper Rule
It's a familiar sight: a goalkeeper taking their time on a goal kick or after making a save, with the clock ticking down. While a six-second rule has existed for years, it was very rarely enforced. Now, IFAB is cracking down. Goalkeepers will now be strictly limited to eight seconds to release the ball from their hands.
How it works: A referee will start the eight-second count as soon as the goalkeeper has full control of the ball and is able to release it unhindered by an opponent. The referee will raise a hand to signal the final five seconds, making the countdown visible to everyone on the pitch and in the stadium.
The punishment: If a goalkeeper exceeds the eight-second limit, the opposing team will be awarded a corner kick. This is a much more significant deterrent than the previous indirect free-kick, and officials hope it will be enough to stop goalkeepers from time-wasting.
'Captains Only' Guidelines
Football has been plagued by a trend of players surrounding referees to protest a decision. The new "Captains Only" approach is designed to tackle this by re-establishing respect and authority on the field.
How it works: While normal, respectful dialogue between players and officials is still allowed, only the captain of the team will be permitted to approach the referee to discuss important decisions. Referees will use clear visual gestures, such as a "stop" signal, to reinforce this rule and encourage other players to move away.
The goal: By having a single point of contact, the game's lawmakers hope to reduce confrontation, improve the overall atmosphere on the field, and ensure the referee can make and communicate decisions without being mobbed. This guideline is an optional measure that competitions can implement.
The Accidental Double-Touch Penalty
The new law around the double touch at a penalty kick comes in response to a high-profile controversy. Following an incident in the Champions League where a penalty was disallowed after the taker slipped and accidentally touched the ball with their non-kicking foot, IFAB has clarified the rule.
How it works: The new guidance distinguishes between a deliberate and an accidental double touch.
Accidental Double Touch: If a penalty taker accidentally kicks the ball with both feet simultaneously (e.g., they slip) and the ball goes in, the penalty will be retaken. If the accidental double touch does not result in a goal, an indirect free-kick will be awarded to the defending team.
Deliberate Double Touch: The existing rule remains for a deliberate double touch, which will still result in an indirect free-kick for the opposing team, regardless of whether a goal was scored.
Other Noteworthy Changes
Beyond the major headlines, there are a few other subtle but important changes to be aware of for the new season:
Stricter Offside Enforcement: Officials have been given clearer guidance on what constitutes a deliberate "playing of the ball" by a defender that resets an offside phase. The new law aims to eliminate the grey area where a player is deemed onside from a lucky deflection, and instead focuses on a defender's genuine control and intent.
Medical Stoppages: Players who receive on-field treatment for injuries will now be required to leave the field of play for a minimum of 20 seconds before being allowed to re-enter. This is designed to prevent players from receiving treatment and immediately returning to the action, helping to reduce time-wasting and ensure that injuries are properly assessed.
These changes aren't just for the professionals; they're being rolled out across the entire football pyramid. At our July MDS, Jacob Lehane, the Referee Development Officer for the Lancashire FA, took us through the new Laws of the Game. He provided a comprehensive overview of these topics, detailing not only the direct changes but also how we as officials should implement them at the level we officiate at. His guidance ensures that referees at all levels are prepared to apply the new rules fairly and consistently from the very first kick of the season.
These changes promise a more streamlined and transparent version of the sport we all love. It will be fascinating to see how they impact the game in the coming season.