Football Rules Changed

The International Football Association Board have confirmed that some changes have been effected in the set of laws guiding the game of football across board. According to the statement released by IFAB after their 133rd annual general meeting in Scotland, these changes were made to ensure that players attitudes on the pitch were improved. The gathering was also meant to assess the progress of the Video Assistant Referees which has been fully introduced to a couple of top European Leagues having featured at the 2018 World Cup.

These football rules are to be implemented from June 1, 2019.

New law changes revealed by IFAB over the weekend concentrate on five rules which could drastically affect key areas of the game.

Deliberate handball? Attackers in a wall for a free-kick? 

What are the new rules and how significant are they?

Former Premier League referee Dermot Gallagher explained how the new regulations could affect the top leagues from June 1.

 1.   There will be no rebounds from penalties

Play will stop for a restart if a penalty is saved or hits the post, meaning there will be no chance to follow up and score from rebounds, meaning players will no longer need to line up on the edge of the area.

2.   Handballs inside the area

From June 1, goals scored that have hit a player's hand - voluntarily or involuntarily - will not be allowed.

3.   Substituted players can leave the field anywhere

When a player is withdrawn they will no longer have to leave the field at the halfway line and will instead be permitted to leave the pitch at the nearest point.

4.   Players can touch the ball in the area after a goalkeeper kicks it out

Until now, players could not touch goal kicks before they exited the box, but now they will be able to.

      5.   Coaches will receive cards again

It has been done in the past, but discipline of coaches changed to simple reprimands or sendings off.

Now they are able to receive yellow and red cards much like players.