Idman.biz
The International Football Association Board (IFAB) has discussed potential rule changes, including those related to VAR intervention.
Idman.Biz reports this with reference to the organization's press service.
Regarding the video assistant referee (VAR) protocol, the discussion also included the possibility of referees being able to intervene in cases of incorrectly shown second yellow cards. The proposal will be presented at the IFAB Annual Business Meeting in London on January 20, 2026.
Following positive feedback worldwide regarding the successful implementation of new provisions prohibiting goalkeepers from holding the ball for too long (an eight-second time limit), additional ways to optimize match flow and reduce the pace of the game were discussed.
The meeting also discussed time limits for taking throw-ins and goal kicks, as well as ways to reduce the time lost due to stoppages for injuries and substitutions.
Members were also briefed on the progress of trials with an alternative offside concept.
"They were asked to consider whether the primary objective should be to reduce the number of offside calls in modern football in order to encourage attacking play. IFAB members agreed that this issue required further analysis and further trials before any decision could be made," the press release said.
