The International Football Association Board (IFAB) adopted a series of changes and clarifications to the Laws of the Game regarding concussion substitutions, equipment, fouls, player misconduct, and penalty kicks.

This decision was made at the 138th annual meeting of the organization in Scotland, according to FIFA's official website.

The Board approved detailed protocols for three trials within lower-division internal competitions (excluding the two highest divisions) aimed at improving player behavior:

1) Only the team captain may approach the referee in certain situations;

2) Water breaks will be introduced with the right of the referee to require teams to gather in their own penalty areas;

3) The time limit for goalkeepers holding the ball is increased to eight seconds (if exceeded, possession passes to the opponent).

Any potential wider application of these methodological recommendations will be considered only after reviewing the impact of such changes.

IFAB also decided to expand FIFA trials regarding public announcement by the referee of the final decision and reasoning following a VAR review in a larger number of internal matches. Participation in trials requires permission from IFAB and adherence to instructions on refereeing and application of FIFA technologies.

Changes and Clarifications to the Laws of the Game-2024/2025

The next edition of the Laws of the Game, which will come into effect on July 1, 2024, will include the following changes and clarifications:

Law 3 (Players): Allows for the option to make additional player substitutions in cases of concussion according to the necessary protocol.

Law 3 (Players) and Law 4 (Equipment): Each team must have a captain who wears an identifiable armband.

Law 4 (Equipment): Players are responsible for the size and suitability of their shin guards, which remain an essential part of their equipment.

Law 12 (Fouls and Misconduct): A handball that is unintentional and results in a penalty kick should be treated equally to other fouls.

Law 14 (Penalty Kick): Part of the ball must touch the center of the penalty mark or extend beyond it, and entering (committing an offense) by outfield players into the penalty area will only be penalized if there is influence.

Despite these changes coming into effect on July 1, 2024, they may be implemented earlier in competitions that start before this date or postponed until the beginning of the next match.

Other Topics

FIFA confirmed the launch of a global campaign to raise awareness about how to recognize and properly treat concussion symptoms, while IFAB will require an appropriate analysis of medical data at the next general meeting according to the amendment to Law 3 regarding this topic.

In addition, board members received updated information on trials in England with natural cameras at amateur levels and a ban on "intentional head movement" at U-12 level and below.

IFAB also received updated information on the trial of new offside rules conducted at the U-18 level in Italy, and agreed to continue the experiment.