Referees will now account for interruptions during a match, including injuries, goal celebrations, and substitutions.
They will stop the clock whenever the game is paused to ensure accurate match timing.
Time-Wasting Penalties
Both goalkeepers and outfield players will face penalties for delaying play.
This could include warnings, yellow cards, or other disciplinary actions aimed at discouraging time-wasting tactics.
Offside Rule Update
A player in an offside position can become “onside” if an opposing player deliberately intervenes and plays the ball.
This adjustment aims to clarify and refine offside situations.
Goalkeeper Behavior During Penalties
Goalkeepers may face consequences if they attempt to distract the penalty taker.
This includes movements or actions deemed unsporting or designed to disrupt the focus of the kicker.
Technical Area Regulations
Coaching staff must adhere to strict rules within the technical area.
Only one official is permitted to stand in the designated area outside the team bench, and crowding in this space is prohibited.
Player Dissent
Players are now at risk of penalties if they confront referees to demand decisions, such as issuing cards to opponents.
This measure aims to curb disrespectful behavior towards match officials.
Foul Threshold
Referees are encouraged to let play continue if stopping for a free kick would disrupt the game’s flow unnecessarily.
This approach prioritizes continuity and minimizes interruptions.
Summary of the Laws of the Game
1. The Field of Play: The playing surface must either be natural or meet specific competition standards.
2. The Ball: The ball must be round and adhere to regulations regarding quality and size.
3. The Players: Each team comprises a maximum of 11 players, and two teams compete in a match.
4. Player Equipment: Players must wear approved gear and avoid using anything that could pose a danger.
5. The Referee: The referee has complete authority to enforce the rules during a match.
6. Other Match Officials: Assistant referees and additional officials support the referee in managing the game.
7. Match Duration: A match consists of two halves of 45 minutes each, unless stated otherwise.
8. Kick-Off and Restart: The match begins with a kick-off, determined by a coin toss.
9. Ball In and Out of Play: The ball is out of play when it entirely crosses the goal line, touchline, or the referee halts play.
10. Scoring a Goal: A goal is awarded when the ball completely crosses the goal line between the goalposts.
11. Offside: A player is offside if they are nearer to the opponent’s goal line than the ball and the second-to-last defender.
12. Fouls and Misconduct: Fouls may result in direct or indirect free kicks, or penalty kicks, depending on the circumstances.
13. Free Kicks: Awarded for various fouls, these are either direct or indirect based on the infraction.
14. Penalty Kick: Granted for fouls occurring within the penalty area of the defending team.
15. Throw-In: Awarded to the opposing team when the ball crosses the touchline.
16. Goal Kick: Granted when the ball crosses the goal line and was last touched by the attacking team.
17. Corner Kick: Given when the ball crosses the goal line, last touched by a defending player.
These adjustments and clarifications aim to e
nhance gameplay, promote fairness, and ensure the smooth management of matches.
