Every rule change as new punishment comes into force

[davieG]

https://www.leicestermercury.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/every-rule-change-facing-leicester-10265177

 

The FA has gone over a number of changes to the Laws of the Game that will apply in the Championship from the start of the 2025/26 season.

Several updates are minor clarifications, but a few could have a significant impact on how matches are played - and managed - next season.

The rule book is already a bit of a minefield for referees and managers alike, so adding to it is likely to lead to a few more sleepless nights for match officials keen to keep on top of the latest changes.

 

Here’s a summary of the key updates Leicester City and other Championship clubs will need to be aware of...

 

Eight-second goalkeeper rule
One of the most notable changes is to Law 12 (fouls and misconduct) . Goalkeepers who control the ball with their hands or arms for more than eight seconds will now concede a corner kick to the opposition.

The corner must be taken from the side of the goal area where the infringement occurred, as clarified in Law 17 (corner kick) .

To help enforce this, referees will now visibly count down the final five seconds once a goalkeeper has been holding the ball. This is covered under an update to Law 5 (the referee) , with match officials instructed to use a clear, raised arm signal while counting down "five, four, three..." to indicate that the eight-second limit is approaching.

 

'Only the captain' guideline
Under Law 3 (the players) , competitions now have the option to implement the “Only the Captain” rule.

This means only the team captain will be allowed to approach and speak to the referee regarding decisions during a match. The EFL is expected to adopt this guideline, aiming to reduce dissent and improve communication between players and officials.

 

Dropped ball clarification
Law 8 (start and restart of play) has been updated to clarify how dropped balls are handled:

If play is stopped inside the penalty area, the ball will be dropped to the defending goalkeeper.

If play is stopped outside the area, the ball is returned to the team that clearly would have had possession. If it’s unclear, it is dropped to the team that last touched the ball.

 

Other adjustments
Under Law 9 , there is no longer a disciplinary sanction if a team official or substitute touches the ball as it’s going out of play — as long as there’s no intent to interfere unfairly.

Law 11 has been updated to confirm that, when a goalkeeper throws the ball, the last point of contact with the hand should be used when determining offside positions.

Laws 16 (goal kick) and 17 (corner kick) now include cross-references to other relevant rules, helping clarify when these restarts should be awarded.

All changes will be in effect from the opening weekend of the new season, which kicks off on the weekend of August 9.

[jammie82uk]

1 hour ago, davieG said:

To help enforce this, referees will now visibly count down the final five seconds once a goalkeeper has been holding the ball. This is covered under an update to Law 5 (the referee) , with match officials instructed to use a clear, raised arm signal while counting down "five, four, three..." to indicate that the eight-second limit is approaching.

I’ve noticed that all press coverage has excluded that it’s the GK responsibility to comply and not to rely on the Refs countdown 

From IFAB:

 

“The referee will decide when the goalkeeper has control of the ball with their hand(s)/arms) and the eight seconds begin, and will visually count down the last five seconds with a raised hand.

However, the main responsibility is for the goalkeeper to comply with the Law. The referee's signal is intended to 'assist' the goalkeeper in doing so, but the absence of a signal does not mean the goalkeeper is exempt from following the Law.

If the goalkeeper is releasing the ball as the countdown reaches 'zero' the referee should allow play to continue as the goalkeeper is complying with the 'spirit' and 'intention' of the Law.”

Edited 14 June 2025 by jammie82uk

[Super_horns]

That new rule will probably last a month ..

 

What was wrong with the 6 second rule that never gets used ?

Edited 15 June 2025 by Super_horns

[UniFox21]

2 hours ago, jammie82uk said:

I’ve noticed that all press coverage has excluded that it’s the GK responsibility to comply and not to rely on the Refs countdown 

From IFAB:

 

“The referee will decide when the goalkeeper has control of the ball with their hand(s)/arms) and the eight seconds begin, and will visually count down the last five seconds with a raised hand.

However, the main responsibility is for the goalkeeper to comply with the Law. The referee's signal is intended to 'assist' the goalkeeper in doing so, but the absence of a signal does not mean the goalkeeper is exempt from following the Law.

If the goalkeeper is releasing the ball as the countdown reaches 'zero' the referee should allow play to continue as the goalkeeper is complying with the 'spirit' and 'intention' of the Law.”

Can't wait for VAR to overrule a goal as a keepers held onto the ball for 9 seconds instead of 8. 

[davieG]

1 hour ago, UniFox21 said:

Can't wait for VAR to overrule a goal as a keepers held onto the ball for 9 seconds instead of 8. 

Every time they attempt to clarify the laws they introduce more potential controversy.

 

The goalkeeper and captain laws already existed didn't they and most refs completely ignored them anyway.