New IFAB changes to be implemented in LOI
A number of amendments to the IFAB Laws of the Game will come into effect across football from tomorrow, with several changes aimed at reducing time wasting, improving game flow and increasing consistency in decision making.
The updates affect substitutions, injury management, restarts, disciplinary sanctions and equipment regulations, and will be applied in League of Ireland competitions from tomorrow's games.
Faster Substitutions Introduced
One of the most significant changes targets delays during substitutions.
Once the substitution board has been displayed, the player leaving the field will have 10 seconds to exit the field of play, using the nearest boundary line where possible.
If the player exceeds the 10-second limit, play will restart without the substitute entering the field. The replacement player must then wait until the next stoppage, provided at least one minute has elapsed, before being permitted to enter.
The substitution cannot be cancelled or altered once the process has begun.
Referees may assist by visually counting down the final five seconds and, where appropriate, verbally warning the player.
The protocol will not apply where there is a clear injury or a safety-related reason for the delay.
Clarification on Accessories
Law 4 has been updated to clarify the use of accessories and personal items.
Accessories remain permitted provided they are not dangerous and are safely and securely covered. Items deemed dangerous must be removed entirely rather than simply taped or covered.
Advantage Can Be Applied to Incorrect Restarts
Referees will now be able to apply advantage when certain restarts are incorrectly taken but the opposing team benefits.
Examples include foul throw-ins or free-kicks taken from the wrong position. If the ball goes directly to the opposition and an obvious advantage develops, play may continue rather than being brought back for a retake.
New One-Minute Rule for Injured Players
A further change designed to reduce unnecessary stoppages relates to players who require treatment on the field of play.
Where play is stopped for an injury assessment or treatment, the player will generally be required to leave the field and remain off for one minute before returning, subject to the referee's permission.
There are important exceptions. The rule will not apply where:
- The goalkeeper is injured
- A goalkeeper and an outfield player are both injured in the same incident.
- Two team-mates collide and are both injured.
- The injury is considered serious.
- The injury results from a physical offence that receives a yellow or red card.
- A penalty kick has been awarded and the injured player is the designated taker.
Where an injury is caused by an offence punished with a yellow or red card, the injured player may remain on the field following assessment or treatment.
Drop Ball Procedure Updated
Law 8 has been amended to better reflect the principle of fairness when play is stopped for reasons outside the teams' control.
When play is stopped and the ball is outside the penalty area, the referee will now drop the ball to a player from the team that clearly had, or would have gained, possession.
If that cannot be determined, the ball will be dropped to a player from the team that last touched it.
The objective is to ensure possession is restored as closely as possible to what would have occurred had play not been interrupted.
DOGSO and Advantage Changes
The Laws relating to Denying an Obvious Goal-Scoring Opportunity (DOGSO) have also been adjusted.
Where a referee plays advantage following a DOGSO offence and a goal is subsequently scored, no yellow card will be issued to the offending player.
If the attack does not result in a goal, the offending player will still be cautioned for unsporting behaviour, either immediately or at the next stoppage, depending on the circumstances.
Additional wording has also been introduced to emphasise the position and presence of attackers when referees assess DOGSO situations.
Penalty Kick Sanction Adjustment
A yellow card will no longer be issued automatically to the penalty taker if both the kicker and goalkeeper commit offences at the same time during a penalty kick.
The amendment is intended to create a more proportionate outcome in situations where both players are responsible for an infringement.
New Countdown for Throw-Ins and Goal Kicks
Referees have been given additional tools to combat delays at restarts.
Where a referee believes a team is deliberately wasting time over a throw-in or goal kick, they may instruct the restart to be taken and begin a visible five-second countdown.
If the countdown expires:
- A throw-in will be awarded to the opposing team.
- A goal kick will be turned into a corner kick for the opposition.
The countdown may begin even before a player has possession of the ball if the referee believes there is deliberate delay, such as slowly retrieving the ball or repeatedly positioning it incorrectly.
Focus on Increasing Effective Playing Time
Collectively, the latest IFAB amendments are designed to reduce time-wasting, improve match tempo and ensure that football's laws continue to support a fair and entertaining game.
Supporters and clubs should expect to see the new provisions in operation from this weekend as referees implement the updated Laws of the Game across League of Ireland competitions.
