The International Football Association Board (IFAB) has recently approved several changes to the Laws of the Game, set to take effect on July 1, 2025, with some being implemented earlier in competitions like the FIFA Club World Cup 2025. A key focus of these changes is to crack down on time-wasting, particularly by goalkeepers.

One of the most significant amendments targets goalkeepers who hold onto the ball for too long. Law 12.2, concerning indirect free kicks, has been revised. Referees will now use a visual five-second countdown, and if a goalkeeper holds the ball for longer than eight seconds, the opposing team will be awarded a corner kick instead of an indirect free kick. Previously, the time limit was six seconds, but it was rarely enforced consistently. The IFAB hopes that the slightly increased time limit, combined with a more easily administered and less punitive consequence, will lead to better enforcement. This change aims to discourage stalling tactics, but some argue it could disrupt the game's tempo and defensive rhythm. There is no disciplinary action unless the goalkeeper repeatedly commits the offence. A goalkeeper cannot be challenged by an opponent when in control of the ball with their hand(s)/arm(s).

Beyond the goalkeeper rule, IFAB is considering extending time limits to other areas of the game, such as throw-ins and corners, to increase effective playing time and improve the fan experience.

Other notable rule changes include adjustments to Law 8.2 regarding dropped balls. Now, if play is stopped outside the penalty area, the ball will be dropped for the team that had possession or would have gained it, if clear to the referee; otherwise, it goes to the team that last touched it, dropped at the spot where play was halted. If the ball was inside the penalty area, however, it will be dropped for the defending goalkeeper inside their box.

Law 9.2 has also been amended. An indirect free kick without disciplinary action will be awarded if a team official, substitute, or sent-off player touches the ball as it leaves the field, provided there was no intention to interfere unfairly. This aims to address situations where, for example, a player warming up stops a ball going out of play to help the goalkeeper take a quick goal kick.

In a move to improve transparency, competitions now have the option to allow referees to announce VAR decisions in the stadium after a review. This system has been trialed in some leagues and is intended to provide instant clarification to the audience.

Additionally, guidelines have been introduced regarding Law 3.10, related to team captains. Competitions can now implement a rule where only the captain (or a designated player if the captain is a goalkeeper) can approach the referee in specific situations. This aims to foster better communication and respect between players and referees. The 'only the captain' rule was successfully trialed at UEFA Euro 2024 and in the Bundesliga. The captain also has a degree of responsibility for the behaviour of the team.

For penalty kicks, a retake will be ordered if the taker accidentally touches the ball twice and scores, such as hitting the ball against their standing leg. If a double touch does not result in a goal, an indirect free-kick will be awarded to the opposing team.

Assistant referees will now be positioned in line with the penalty mark during penalty kicks to monitor offside, as VAR covers goal/no goal decisions and goalkeeper encroachment.

FIFA is also expanding trials of Football Video Support, a cost-effective system with a small number of cameras, to more competitions, after successful testing in 2024. Furthermore, trials of referee body cameras for training and education purposes are set to expand in FIFA competitions, building on successful use in grassroots football in England.