𝐎𝐅𝐅𝐈𝐂𝐈𝐀𝐋: Changes to the Laws of the Game for the 2025/26 season from the International Federation of Association Football (IFAB): 1️⃣ Amendment to Law 3 - Players: Only the team captain is allowed to speak to the referee during the match, not all players. 2️⃣ Amendment to Law 5 - Referees: The referee will use a countdown signal for the last (5) seconds of the (8) seconds allowed for the goalkeeper. 🙋🏻‍♂️ 3️⃣ Amendment to Law 8 - Dropped Ball: If play is stopped and the ball is inside the penalty area or last touched inside it → it is dropped to the defending team's goalkeeper. In other cases (outside the penalty area): □ The ball is dropped to a player from the team that would have had possession of it (if this is clear to the referee). □ If this is not clear, it is dropped to a player from the team that last touched the ball. □ The ball is dropped where it was when play was stopped. 4️⃣ Law 9 – Ball Position (In Play/Out of Play): If a coach or substitute player (or a player temporarily out of play) touches the ball while it is still in play but clearly on its way out, with the intention of accelerating play: ☆ An indirect free kick is awarded to the opposing team. ☆ No disciplinary sanction (such as a caution or sending-off) is imposed unless there are repeated offenses, such as repeated departures from the technical area. 5️⃣ Amendment to Law 11 – Offside: ○When the ball is played or touched, the first point of contact is used to determine offside. ○ However, if the goalkeeper handles the ball, the last point of contact is used as the reference point for offside, as it is clearer and more accurate. 6️⃣ Amendment to Law 12 – Fouls and Misconduct: If the goalkeeper holds the ball with his hand/arm for more than 8 seconds, a corner kick is awarded to the opposing team from the nearest flank. ●The goalkeeper is not cautioned unless he repeats the offense. ▪️ An indirect free kick is still awarded in the following cases: ● Control of the ball for more than (6) seconds without releasing it. ● Handling the ball after releasing it, before it touches another player. ● Handling it after an intentional pass or throw-in from a teammate, unless he clearly attempts to play it with his foot. 7️⃣ Amendment to Law 16 – Goal Kick: A goal kick is awarded if the ball has completely crossed the goal line, no goal has been scored, and the last touch was by a player from the attacking team. ↩️ With reference to other relevant laws: 8, 10, 13, 15 8️⃣ Amendment to Law 17 – Corner Kick: A corner kick is awarded if the ball has completely crossed the goal line after being touched by a defending player, without a goal being scored. ↩️ With reference to relevant laws: 8, 12, 13, 15, 16. - The kick is taken from the corner nearest to the point where the ball went out of play or to the goalkeeper's position when penalized (e.g., 8 seconds late). 9️⃣ Video Assistant Referee (VAR) Protocol: Upon completion of the review, the referee must show the "TV screen" signal and announce the final decision. ■ Competitions may also implement a system that allows the referee to publicly explain the decision after a VAR review or extended check, in accordance with FIFA guidelines and the VAR Manual.