The International Football Association Board (IFAB) approved several amendments to the Laws of the Game at its 140th annual meeting in Hensol Castle, Wales, on February 28, 2026. Drawing from Major League Soccer innovations, the updates target time-wasting, clarify refereeing, enhance VAR usage, and introduce anti-discrimination measures following a Champions League racism allegation. Changes take effect July 1, 2026, with possible earlier adoption for the FIFA World Cup.
IFAB, the body governing football's laws, confirmed amendments to promote fairness, reduce stoppages, and tackle discrimination amid efforts to unify refereeing standards.
Innovations from MLS and MLS NEXT Pro include the Off-Field Treatment Rule, requiring injured players to leave the pitch and stay off for one minute after restart (with exemptions for card-worthy fouls), and the Timed Substitution Rule, mandating substituted players exit within 10 seconds or delay their replacement until after 60 seconds of play. MLS data shows injury stoppages fell 72% and 99% of 2025 substitutions complied. MLS Commissioner Don Garber called it 'an important moment for the global game,' while MLS NEXT Pro President Ali Curtis noted exceeded expectations in reducing gamesmanship and improving safety.
Additional anti-delay measures feature a visible five-second countdown for throw-ins and goal kicks, awarding possession to opponents on failure (e.g., goal kick to corner). A new advantage rule tweak: if play continues after a foul denying a goal-scoring opportunity and the attackers score, the defender avoids a mandatory yellow card, addressing prior confusion.
VAR scope expands to review second yellows leading to reds, mistaken identity in cards, and incorrect corner decisions, emphasizing minimal delays.
Anti-discrimination efforts, prompted by Real Madrid's Vinicius Junior accusing Benfica's Gianluca Prestianni of racist abuse (and reports of a homophobic slur) during their February 17, 2026, Champions League match—where Prestianni covered his mouth—include consultations on sanctions for mouth-covering. Prestianni denies racism, faces a provisional UEFA one-match ban, and Benfica's Jose Mourinho said guilt would end his tenure there. FIFA President Gianni Infantino advocated red cards under presumption of offense, stating, 'If a player covers his mouth and says something... he has to be sent off,' and suggested reduced bans for apologies to drive change. Ratification is eyed for the FIFA Congress on April 30, 2026.
Separate trials for Arsene Wenger's offside proposal, requiring a clear attacker-defender gap, will occur in the Canadian Premier League.
The rules apply to the 2026-27 season and North American World Cup, enhancing game flow and integrity.
