changes to soccer rules have sometimes made the game fairer and more exciting, like the introduction of the red card in 1970 and the change to the back-passing rule in 1992. But a recent set of new rule changes proposed by the International Football Association Board (IFAB), the organization that governs the rules of soccer, has sparked heated debate among soccer fans. what are these controversial proposals, which even the European Football Association (UEFA) has publicly expressed its displeasure with?

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1. banning rebound scoring after penalty kicks?

the most controversial proposal relates to penalty kicks. The IFAB is considering a proposal that if a penalty kick is saved by a goalkeeper, the ball should immediately become a “dead ball,” eliminating the chance for a second goal from the rebound.

pro: This rule would solve the problem of players encroaching into the penalty box beforehand while taking a penalty kick. It would also make the penalty kick situation a clearer, more self-contained event.
theargument against: The chaos that ensues after a penalty kick is saved and the dramatic rebound goal is one of the great joys of soccer. This rule has been criticized for potentially reducing the excitement of the game.

2. How far do VARs’ powers extend?

the powers of video assistant referees (VARs), which have been at the center of controversy since their introduction, are also being discussed.

what ‘s proposed: Currently, VARs can only intervene in four clear-cut officiating situations: goals, penalty kicks, direct sending-offs, and player misidentification. The IFAB is considering expanding the scope of VAR intervention to include corner kick decisions, free kick decisions, and ejections due to accumulated cautions (second yellow card).
voices of concern: Opponents of expanding VARs’ powers cite “excessive delay of play” as the biggest issue. they say it doesn’t fit with the direction of modern football, which is to minimize interruptions to the flow of the game. A UEFA spokesperson expressed strong opposition to the change, saying it would be “unacceptable”.

other changes and discussions

in addition to these changes, the IFAB has already finalized a rule that will increase the amount of time a goalkeeper can have possession of the ball from six to eight seconds, starting in the 2025-2026 season, and will award a corner kick to the opponent instead of an indirect free kick. It is also continuing to experiment with and discuss the introduction of a “challenge” system (FVS), where coaches can directly request a VAR read.

whether these changes will make soccer better or take away from the inherent fun of the game will continue to be debated by soccer fans for some time to come.

frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Q. what is the ‘IFAB’ organization?

A. It stands for The International Football Association Board, and is the sole body that makes and revises the playing rules of soccer. it is made up of the four football associations in England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, as well as the Federation of International Football Association (FIFA).

Q. when could the no penalty kick rebound rule be implemented?

A. The rule is still in the proposal stage and has not been officially adopted. Even if it is approved, it would still need to be discussed and tested, so it would likely not be implemented until at least after the 2026 World Cup.

Q. is the 8-second goalkeeper rule already in place?

A. It will officially take effect in the 2025-2026 season. the referee will count eight seconds after the goalkeeper catches the ball, and will signal the time with a finger when five seconds remain.