FIFA
Football never ceases to evolve. From the introduction of VAR to redefining handball rules, offside interpretations, and increased substitutions, the sport has undergone significant changes over the past decade. And the evolution shows no signs of slowing down.
The International Football Association Board (IFAB), the council comprising football experts—including FIFA officials, former players like Luís Figo, coaches like Arsène Wenger, and ex-referees like Pierluigi Collina and Howard Webb—is actively testing innovations that could reshape the game within the next five years.
For years, IFAB has aimed to curb time-wasting. Recently, they’ve focused on goalkeepers and their consistent violation of an often-overlooked rule: the six-second limit on holding the ball. According to Rule 12, Section 2, a goalkeeper must release the ball within six seconds of gaining control. However, this is rarely enforced.
“Goalkeepers often exceed the six-second limit to waste time, delay play, and minimize the risk of losing possession,” IFAB explains. Refereeing sources told AS: “The rule was intended to expedite play, but lax enforcement has extended this to nearly 20 seconds. The current punishment—an indirect free kick inside the penalty area—has significant consequences, so referees hesitate to enforce it strictly.”
To address these issues, IFAB is experimenting with two new approaches in youth leagues:
Additionally, referees would signal the countdown using raised fingers. If adopted, these adjustments could have a substantial impact on the game.
Another IFAB objective is to minimise protests against referees. One initiative already being tested mandates that only team captains can seek explanations from the referee. To further discourage dissent, some grassroots referees are trialing body cameras, which serve as both a deterrent and a means of protection.
VAR has become an integral part of modern football, but its high cost limits its use in lower leagues. Enter Football Video Support (FVS), a budget-friendly alternative to VAR currently under trial. Unlike traditional VAR systems, FVS operates without dedicated assistant referees to review decisions.
In this system, teams can request that the referee review a play on the monitor, but only twice per match and immediately after the on-field decision. If the request is upheld, the team retains its remaining challenges.
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These initiatives highlight IFAB’s commitment to making football faster, fairer, and more accessible at all levels. As these trials progress, they could herald significant changes in the world’s most popular sport.
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