Official: IFAB proposes to allow VAR to intervene in the second yellow and discuss changing the rules to avoid millimeter-level offside

On October 29, the International Football Association Board (IFAB) Football and Technical Advisory Panel (FAP-TAP) held an online meeting. Participants discussed a number of topics, focusing on measures to further optimize the smoothness of the game and minimize interruptions and time loss. The meeting was chaired by Noel Mooney, Chief Executive of the Football Association of Wales.

The meeting first outlined the revised rules that will take effect on July 1, 2025. Then the experts heard an explanation of the "accidental second touch of the penalty kick" penalty rules released earlier this year, which will be included in the "2026/27 Football Competition Rules".

After reporting on the global positive feedback on the new rule on the goalkeeper's ball-holding time limit (8-second time limit combined with the referee's 5-second countdown, corner kicks will be awarded for violations), the meeting further discussed options to improve the smoothness of the game, including whether to extend the countdown mechanism to foul kicks and goal kicks, and how to reduce game interruptions caused by injuries and substitutions.

Regarding the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) protocol, the meeting discussed the feasibility of allowing the Video Match Official (VMO) to intervene when a second yellow card is wrongly shown. Relevant proposals will be submitted to the IFAB Annual Business Meeting scheduled to be held in London on January 20, 2026.

FAP-TAP noted that the "Captain Only Communication" guideline has been well received around the world. This initiative not only promotes respectful interaction between referees and players, but also enhances the overall image of football. Although the guidelines are currently non-mandatory, FAP-TAP recommends that they be included in the Football Competition Rules and become a mandatory agreement so that event organizers have sufficient preparation time.

The meeting reported on the progress of trials of alternative offside concepts and solicited opinions on whether the offside rules need to be revised. Experts at the meeting were asked to consider whether the main goal of rule revisions should be to encourage offense by reducing the millimeters of offside calls in modern football. Members agreed that this issue requires further analysis and testing before a decision can be made.

In addition, the meeting also updated the development progress of advanced semi-automatic offside technology, as well as the trial status of the Football Video Support (FVS) system led by FIFA - these two technologies have been successfully used in FIFA events. FAP-TAP has also learned that trials are currently underway for referees to wear body cameras at professional and grassroots events.

The IFAB Football and Technical Advisory Group brings together global football experts: FAP includes former players, coaches and representatives of international football organizations; TAP is composed of top referee experts from all continents and IFAB technical group members. IFAB's next meeting is the Annual Business Meeting in London, UK, on ​​January 20, 2026, which will set the agenda for the Annual General Meeting, scheduled for February 28, 2026, in Hensall, Wales.

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