FIFA and the International Football Association Board (IFAB) have announced significant updates to the Laws of the Game for the 2025-26 season, including adjustments to goalkeeper time limits and the introduction of Football Video Support.
FIFA Secretary General Mattias Grafstrom highlighted the success of Football Video Support, which was tested at the FIFA U-20 and U-17 Women’s World Cups. “The technology was received very positively by coaches. This will be a great step to democratize technology and refereeing,” he said, adding that FIFA aims to make it more affordable for lower-tier leagues.
One of the major rule changes addresses goalkeepers holding the ball too long. IFAB has amended Law 12.2, stating that if a goalkeeper holds the ball for more than eight seconds—following a five-second visual countdown—the opposing team will be awarded a corner kick instead of an indirect free kick.
Other updates include new guidelines for team captains (Law 3.10) to improve communication with referees and reduce dissent. IFAB has also refined procedures for dropped balls (Law 8.2) and ball-in-play situations (Law 9.2). Additionally, competitions will have the option to allow referees to announce VAR decisions publicly.
These amendments, set to take effect on July 1, 2025, aim to enhance fairness, efficiency, and technology use in football.