New rules in football: What will change in the 2025/26 season?

The International Football Association Board (IFAB) has decided to introduce new rules in football starting from the 2025/26 season. These changes are aimed at improving the flow of the game, ensuring fair and smooth referee decisions, and legalizing players' actions. Below, we will review these new rules.

1. New restrictions for goalkeepers

Starting from the new season, if a goalkeeper holds the ball in their hands for more than 8 seconds, the main referee will consider this an infringement and a corner kick will be awarded to the opposing team. This process will be carried out in the following order:

• The main referee counts to 5 seconds while raising their hand.
  
• The count starts when the goalkeeper has full control of the ball.
  
• If the goalkeeper repeats this infringement, they will receive a yellow card.
  
• The corner kick will be taken from the nearest corner to where the goalkeeper committed the infringement.
  

2. Only the captain can talk to the referee

Only team captains can communicate with the referees. This rule has been introduced to maintain order on the field and reduce pressure on referees.

3. Changes to the rules for reintroducing the ball into play

Starting from the new season, if the game stops inside the penalty area, the ball will be given to the goalkeeper of the defending team. If it stops outside the penalty area:

• The ball will be awarded to the team that had possession of it when the game was stopped.
  
• If the main referee has difficulty determining this, the team that last touched the ball will retain possession.
  

4. Free kick awarded if individuals outside the field interfere with the ball

If a member of the coaching staff, a substitute, or a suspended player touches or deliberately interferes with the ball going out of play, a free kick will be awarded to the opposing team. This rule was introduced to prevent certain situations observed by fans.

5. Clarification of the offside rule

In the case of offside when the goalkeeper kicks the ball, the point of the last contact with the ball will be taken into account. This will make it much easier for referees to determine offside.

6. Announcing decisions after video replays to fans

Now, tournament organizers can require referees to announce decisions made after VAR or long video reviews to fans audibly. This will make it easier for spectators to understand refereeing decisions.

These changes in football are aimed at making the game more lawful and orderly. In particular, the changes regarding goalkeepers holding the ball for too long, communication rules with referees, and determining offside will be significant news for fans and players.