The new season is fast approaching, and with it comes a fresh set of Law Changes for 2025/26 that every referee, player and coach needs to be aware of.
At A&H International, we're committed to helping referees at all levels stay informed, confident, and ready for kick-off.
🔹 Law 3 – The Players
“Only the Captain” Communication (Optional)
Competitions can now choose to restrict communication with the referee to only the team captain, identified by a distinctive armband. This optional rule is designed to improve match management and promote respectful dialogue.
Why this is changing? To improve on-field behaviour and to enhance cooperation and strengthen the rapport between the players and the referee
🔹 Law 5 – The Referee - Signals
Visible Countdown for Goalkeeper Ball Control
Referees will now display a five-second countdown gesture when a goalkeeper holds the ball. This visual aid supports enforcement of the new eight-second rule (see Law 12) and ensures players and fans know the clock is ticking.
🔹 Law 8 – The Start and Restart of Play
Clearer Dropped Ball Procedure
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If play is stopped in the penalty area, it restarts with a dropped ball to the defending goalkeeper.
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If the ball was outside the penalty area, the referee drops it for one player of the team that has or would have gained possession if this can be determined by the referee, otherwise, it is dropped for one player of the team that last touched it.
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All dropped balls occur at the position when play was stopped.
Why this is changing? There are times when the ball would clearly have gone to an opponent of the team that last touched the ball. In such instances, it is fairer for the ball to be dropped for the team that would have gained possession, as long as this is clear to the referee. Outside the penalty, the ball will now be dropped at its position when play was stopped.
🔹 Law 9 – Ball In and Out of Play
No Sanction for Accidental Contact
If a team official or off-field player accidentally touches the ball without interfering with play, the game restarts with an indirect free kick - no cards or further punishment.
Why this is changing? There are times when a coach, substitute or player who is temporarily off the field of play (among others) touches the ball as it is going out of play with the intention of helping the game restart quickly. In such cases, an indirect free kick will be awarded but there will be no disciplinary sanction, unless such a sanction is to be issued for persistently leaving the technical area.
🔹 Law 11 – Offside
Goalkeeper Throws Clarified
The first point of contact of the ‘play’ or ‘touch’ of the ball should be used for offside offences; however, when the ball is thrown by the goalkeeper, the last point of contact should be used,
Why this is changing? The first point of contact with the ball is used when determining whether a player is in an offside position. However, when the ball is thrown by the goalkeeper, the last point of contact should be used, as this provides a clearer and more consistent reference point.
🔹 Law 12 – Fouls and Misconduct
8-Second Goalkeeper Rule – Corner Kick Result
- The eight-second count begins when the goalkeeper has full control of the ball and is not being challenged by an opposing player.
- The referee will visibly count down the final five seconds, ensuring the goalkeeper can see the countdown.
- If opponents begin to pressure or obstruct the goalkeeper during the countdown, the referee will stop the count and award an indirect free kick in favour of the goalkeeper.
- If the 8 seconds are exceeded the opposing team is awarded a corner kick (At the closest side to where the offence was committed).
- Persistent offenders may still receive a caution
Why this is changing? The eight-second rule for goalkeepers is being introduced to reduce time-wasting.
🔹 Law 16 – Goal Kick
Cross-Law Clarifications - Additional Text Added
Law 16 now includes clear references to related laws (8, 10, 13, 15). A goal kick is awarded when the whole of the ball passes over the goal line, on the ground or in the air, having last touched a player of the attacking team, and a goal is not scored.
🔹 Law 17 – Corner Kick
Updated Placement & References
Corner kicks are now explicitly awarded from the nearest corner area - whether from a ball out of play or after an 8-second goalkeeper infringement. Relevant laws are now also cross-referenced for easier interpretation.
🔹 VAR Protocol (Where Used)
Optional Live Announcements
Competitions may now opt to have referees verbally announce VAR decisions to the crowd and players. This initiative, tested in several international tournaments, aims to improve understanding and transparency for the spectators.
Summary: What Matters Most
Here are the standout changes to remember:
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Goalkeepers now have 8 seconds to release the ball - or it’s a corner
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Dropped ball restarts are clearly defined by location and last possession
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Only captains may speak to referees (if the competition chooses)
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No cards for accidental off-field players/coaches that make contact with the ball
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VAR explanations can now be made live by the referee
Whether you're officiating in Sunday league or at the highest level, staying updated on the Laws of the Game is key to managing matches effectively and confidently.
Don't worry, we'll be testing your knowledge in the coming weeks on our weekly Laws of the Game test that is published every Sunday. If you don't already receive our emails you can join our mailing list by scrolling down and entering your email address or by contacting us by email at support@referee-equipment.com.
Here’s to a smooth and successful 2025/26 season!
This is a simplified version of this year’s key law changes to help prepare you for the new season - more detailed information on these changes can be downloaded from IFAB here.