Football's lawmakers are set to discuss potential changes to VAR protocols regarding red cards and new measures to combat time-wasting, according to recent reports. The International Football Association Board (IFAB) will convene its Football and Technical Advisory Panels (FAP-TAP) to address these key issues and other aspects of the Laws of the Game.
One of the main topics on the agenda is the possible expansion of VAR's reach to include second yellow cards. Currently, VAR is not permitted to review decisions that lead to a second caution, even if the subsequent red card appears to be contentious. A recent incident in a Champions League game, where an Olympiacos player was controversially dismissed after receiving a second yellow card, has reignited the debate over VAR's limitations. Extending VAR's authority to cover second yellow cards could provide an extra layer of scrutiny and potentially rectify incorrect dismissals. However, IFAB is wary of the potential for further delays to matches and would seek assurances that any changes would not exacerbate this issue.
In addition to the VAR discussion, IFAB is also focusing on new ways to clamp down on time-wasting, particularly by goalkeepers. A new rule has been approved, set to take effect from July 1, which limits the amount of time a goalkeeper can hold the ball to a maximum of eight seconds. If a goalkeeper exceeds this limit, the referee will give a visual five-second countdown before awarding a corner kick to the opposing team. This replaces the previous, rarely enforced rule that allowed goalkeepers six seconds to release the ball, with violations punishable by an indirect free kick. This change will be in force at the FIFA Club World Cup 2025, which kicks off on June 14, 2025.
Trials of the eight-second rule have already been conducted in over 400 games across three different competitions, with positive results. IFAB believes this new measure will have a significant impact on goalkeeper behavior and reduce time-wasting. Referees will be instructed to use a visual countdown to ensure goalkeepers are aware of the time limit.
Furthermore, IFAB is promoting stronger cooperation and communication between captains and referees to foster fairness and mutual respect. Competition organizers, players, and match officials are encouraged to work together to adhere to guidelines that, in certain situations, allow only the team captain to speak to the referee.
Other changes to the Laws of the Game, set to take effect on July 1, 2025, include:
- Law 8.2 (Dropped ball): If play is stopped outside the penalty area, the ball will be dropped for the team that had possession, or would have gained possession, at the position where play was stopped.
- Law 9.2 (Ball in play): 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.
Competitions will have the option to allow referees to make in-stadium announcements after a VAR review or extended check to explain their decisions. IFAB is also continuing to explore the use of body cameras worn by referees for training and educational purposes.
