Football could be set for a major change in the coming days after the International Football Association Board (IFAB) announced on Friday (Feb 8) the introduction of blue cards. The IFAB, football’s lawmakers body will trail the new concept which has been in use at the grassroots level for dissent but could be extended to cynical fouls. While a similar concept is already used in hockey as part of the sin-bin, here we decode how the blue cards will be used and what effect it could have on the current system.

<h2>How current system works</h2>

Currently, using a two-colour card system, the severity of the foul or breach of code or foul determines the colour of the card. A player receives a yellow card for dissent non-serious fouls or breaking the flow of play when the opposition team is in control of play. There can be several other incidents where the referee can book a player with a yellow card&nbsp;like removing a T-shirt without permission or excess celebration after goal. However, upon receiving a yellow card a player still stays on the field.

A red card is usually issued when a player is deemed to have made a serious injury-causing foul or denied a clear goal-scoring opportunity. A player can also receive a red card if he or she has been deemed of violent conduct like spitting at an opposition player or physically abusing a player, fan or ball boy.

A red card is also issued if he or she receives a second yellow card in the same match. The referees also have the right to show red cards if they feel of more serious cases other than the ones mentioned above. Upon receiving the red card the concerned player has to leave the field and is not part of the bench anymore and not allowed to sit in the team dugout.

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<h2>What are blue cards and how will they work?</h2>

Cautions are served in football for serious fouls or breaches of the code of player conduct or serious foul play and the punishment of the same is directed by the nature of the card shown. However, incidents that are serious but not in the territory of second yellow cards (resulting in a red card) or a player who shows dissent on the field could be issued a blue card.

This will result in the player serving a 10-minute suspension and will return to the field post serving punishment. Currently, this system is similar to the sin-bin in hockey where players receive green, yellow and red cards and serve timeout of two, five and ten minutes respectively.

<h2>Effects of the blue card&nbsp;introduction&nbsp;</h2>

As things stand, red cards remain the highest order of punishment which results in a one, three or more match suspension for the player. Yellow cards remain the second-highest order of punishment and could result in a ban for the player after picking up several during the course of the season. Blue cards are likely to replace yellow cards as the second-highest order of punishment as the player is temporarily sent off rather than being on the field despite receiving a card.

Since&nbsp;blue cards (sin-bin) were introduced partially in 2018, Football Association (FA) has reported a total of 38 per cent reduction in dissent cases. If this is the same, player’s discipline on the field towards officials and opposition players is expected to improve.

It is also expected that more cynical tackles that are not in range of red cards but more serious than&nbsp;yellow card offences could result in blue cards. This will also help the player avoid a three-match ban for a serious foul. However, being a more serious case than a yellow card, a player could still end up serving a ban after picking a blue card.

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<h2>When could blue cards be introduced?</h2>

Still, under trial, the blue cards will only be implemented when there is a good response with less criticism of the system. IFAB’s implementation of the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) also received a lot of backlash at the start but was eventually accepted after a lot of criticism.

The English FA will be cautious of circumstances that had arisen during the implementation of the VAR in the Premier League. The FA could use the blue cards first in the League Cup and the FA Cup before implementing them in the Premier League.

Football could be set for a major change in the coming days after the International Football Association Board (IFAB) announced on Friday (Feb 8) the introduction of blue cards.

Football could be set for a major change in the coming days after the International Football Association Board (IFAB) announced on Friday (Feb 8) the introduction of blue cards. The IFAB, football’s lawmakers body will trail the new concept which has been in use at the grassroots level for dissent but could be extended to cynical fouls. While a similar concept is already used in hockey as part of the sin-bin, here we decode how the blue cards will be used and what effect it could have on the current system. How current system works Currently, using a two-colour card system, the severity of the foul or breach of code or foul determines the colour of the card. A player receives a yellow card for dissent non-serious fouls or breaking the flow of play when the opposition team is in control of play. There can be several other incidents where the referee can book a player with a yellow card like removing a T-shirt without permission or excess celebration after goal. However, upon receiving a yellow card a player still stays on the field. A red card is usually issued when a player is deemed to have made a serious injury-causing foul or denied a clear goal-scoring opportunity. A player can also receive a red card if he or she has been deemed of violent conduct like spitting at an opposition player or physically abusing a player, fan or ball boy. A red card is also issued if he or she receives a second yellow card in the same match. The referees also have the right to show red cards if they feel of more serious cases other than the ones mentioned above. Upon receiving the red card the concerned player has to leave the field and is not part of the bench anymore and not allowed to sit in the team dugout. ALSO READ | Golf: Bankers warn Saudis of facing possible prison time for aiding PGA-LIV probe What are blue cards and how will they work? Cautions are served in football for serious fouls or breaches of the code of player conduct or serious foul play and the punishment of the same is directed by the nature of the card shown. However, incidents that are serious but not in the territory of second yellow cards (resulting in a red card) or a player who shows dissent on the field could be issued a blue card. This will result in the player serving a 10-minute suspension and will return to the field post serving punishment. Currently, this system is similar to the sin-bin in hockey where players receive green, yellow and red cards and serve timeout of two, five and ten minutes respectively. Effects of the blue card introduction As things stand, red cards remain the highest order of punishment which results in a one, three or more match suspension for the player. Yellow cards remain the second-highest order of punishment and could result in a ban for the player after picking up several during the course of the season. Blue cards are likely to replace yellow cards as the second-highest order of punishment as the player is temporarily sent off rather than being on the field despite receiving a card. Since blue cards (sin-bin) were introduced partially in 2018, Football Association (FA) has reported a total of 38 per cent reduction in dissent cases. If this is the same, player’s discipline on the field towards officials and opposition players is expected to improve. It is also expected that more cynical tackles that are not in range of red cards but more serious than yellow card offences could result in blue cards. This will also help the player avoid a three-match ban for a serious foul. However, being a more serious case than a yellow card, a player could still end up serving a ban after picking a blue card. ALSO READ | IND vs ENG: Shreyas Iyer doubtful for Rajkot Test as injury woes mount for India When could blue cards be introduced? Still, under trial, the blue cards will only be implemented when there is a good response with less criticism of the system. IFAB’s implementation of the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) also received a lot of backlash at the start but was eventually accepted after a lot of criticism. The English FA will be cautious of circumstances that had arisen during the implementation of the VAR in the Premier League. The FA could use the blue cards first in the League Cup and the FA Cup before implementing them in the Premier League.

EXPLAINED: What is blue card rule to be introduced in football and how will it work?

The International Football Association Board (IFAB) is set to&nbsp;introduce&nbsp;a new&nbsp;card, i.e. blue card on Friday (Feb 9) as part of trials of sin bins in professional football, sources&nbsp;confirmed to ESPN. In Nov 2023, the football lawmakers felt the need to address player behaviour towards match officials,&nbsp;which included temporary dismissals for dissent and specific tactical offences.

It is to be noted that sin bins have&nbsp;already been&nbsp;a successful addition in the lower levels of football since 2019-20, with players given the marching orders&nbsp;to leave&nbsp;for 10 minutes if they have been guilty of showing disrespect to an official.&nbsp;

Now, the new trial for higher-level football,&nbsp;expected to last for a year&nbsp;at least, will comprise&nbsp;situations where a player deliberately takes out an opponent in an attacking situation when a red card isn't warranted.

It is to be noted that the grassroots football in England, which has a particular problem with referee abuse from players, has been raising the yellow card to indicate the offence across 31 leagues since&nbsp;2019-20. However,&nbsp;IFAB insisted on a different colour to be distinct to players, coaches and supporters, and hence&nbsp;blue came on board.

The blue card, however, won't be visible in top level competitions such as the Premier League, La Liga, the UEFA Champions League, Euro 2024 or the Copa America. The trial over the course of next season won't be permitted at the very top level.&nbsp;It would be 2026-27 at the earliest before it&nbsp;makes it to the Laws of the Game.

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Sources have told ESPN that there is not much backing for sin bins among the top leagues. Thus,&nbsp;the Football Association will not be testing it in competitions such as the Women's Super League and the FA Cup.

"FIFA wishes to clarify that reports of the so-called 'blue card' at elite levels of football are incorrect and premature," the sport's governing body said in a statement following Thursday's reports. "Any such trials, if implemented, should be limited to testing in a responsible manner at lower levels, a position that FIFA intends to reiterate when this agenda item is discussed at the IFAB AGM on 1 March," it added.

The International Football Association Board (IFAB) is set to introduce a new card, i.e. blue card on Friday (Feb 9) as part of trials of sin bins in professional football, sources confirmed to ESPN.

The International Football Association Board (IFAB) is set to introduce a new card, i.e. blue card on Friday (Feb 9) as part of trials of sin bins in professional football, sources confirmed to ESPN. In Nov 2023, the football lawmakers felt the need to address player behaviour towards match officials, which included temporary dismissals for dissent and specific tactical offences. It is to be noted that sin bins have already been a successful addition in the lower levels of football since 2019-20, with players given the marching orders to leave for 10 minutes if they have been guilty of showing disrespect to an official. Now, the new trial for higher-level football, expected to last for a year at least, will comprise situations where a player deliberately takes out an opponent in an attacking situation when a red card isn't warranted. It is to be noted that the grassroots football in England, which has a particular problem with referee abuse from players, has been raising the yellow card to indicate the offence across 31 leagues since 2019-20. However, IFAB insisted on a different colour to be distinct to players, coaches and supporters, and hence blue came on board. The blue card, however, won't be visible in top level competitions such as the Premier League, La Liga, the UEFA Champions League, Euro 2024 or the Copa America. The trial over the course of next season won't be permitted at the very top level. It would be 2026-27 at the earliest before it makes it to the Laws of the Game. Also read: NFL: Patrick Mahomes on path to immortality ahead of Super Bowl Sources have told ESPN that there is not much backing for sin bins among the top leagues. Thus, the Football Association will not be testing it in competitions such as the Women's Super League and the FA Cup. "FIFA wishes to clarify that reports of the so-called 'blue card' at elite levels of football are incorrect and premature," the sport's governing body said in a statement following Thursday's reports. "Any such trials, if implemented, should be limited to testing in a responsible manner at lower levels, a position that FIFA intends to reiterate when this agenda item is discussed at the IFAB AGM on 1 March," it added.

IFAB to introduce blue cards as part of trials of sin bins in professional football: Sources

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp and Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou led a chorus of disapproval on Friday over a controversial proposal to introduce blue cards and sin bins.

It has been reported that blue cards will be shown to players, who would be sent to a 'sin-bin' for 10 minutes, as part of a new trial aimed at improving on-pitch behaviour.

At present, players shown a red card or two yellow cards are expelled for the rest of the game.

Sin bins have been used at grassroots level in England for dissent, but the trial could also include cynical fouls.

Reports say that football's lawmakers IFAB have delayed releasing information about the proposed trial following talks with world governing body FIFA.

It is understood that the trial phase will not take place in top-level football to avoid players being in competitions with different rules concurrently.

But Klopp was among several Premier League managers to express concerns about the proposal.&nbsp;

"I think everything what the actual situation shows is we should keep it as simple as somehow possible, for the referees as well," the German said Friday.

"It's a difficult job. I think the introduction of a blue card would just give more opportunities to fail as well.

"The discussion will be: 'It was a blue card, should it have been a yellow card? Now it's 10 minutes off. In the good old times it would have been a red card or only a yellow'.

"It doesn't sound like a fantastic idea in the first moment but actually I can't remember the last fantastic idea (which) came from these guys, if they ever had one. I am 56 and, pah, never."

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Postecoglou said the plan could be another misstep by football's authorities after the controversial introduction of the widely criticised VAR system.

"I don't think people will be surprised by my thoughts on it. I struggle to understand this urgency all of a sudden to bring in new things," he said.

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"I don't know if there's that much wrong with the game as I see it. My biggest issue with the game right now is that VAR has changed the experience, whether you're a player, a manager or a supporter.

"Beyond that, I don't know why a different colour card is going to make any difference."

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta called for the proposals to be rigorously tested before blue cards are given the green light.

"We've got a lot going on with decisions, with technology. I don't know if we are ready for that yet," he said.

"Who knows (if it is a good idea). Hopefully it's going to be tested very well before they introduce it at this level."

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp and Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou led a chorus of disapproval on Friday over a controversial proposal to introduce blue cards and sin bins.

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp and Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou led a chorus of disapproval on Friday over a controversial proposal to introduce blue cards and sin bins. It has been reported that blue cards will be shown to players, who would be sent to a 'sin-bin' for 10 minutes, as part of a new trial aimed at improving on-pitch behaviour. At present, players shown a red card or two yellow cards are expelled for the rest of the game. Sin bins have been used at grassroots level in England for dissent, but the trial could also include cynical fouls. Reports say that football's lawmakers IFAB have delayed releasing information about the proposed trial following talks with world governing body FIFA. It is understood that the trial phase will not take place in top-level football to avoid players being in competitions with different rules concurrently. But Klopp was among several Premier League managers to express concerns about the proposal. "I think everything what the actual situation shows is we should keep it as simple as somehow possible, for the referees as well," the German said Friday. "It's a difficult job. I think the introduction of a blue card would just give more opportunities to fail as well. "The discussion will be: 'It was a blue card, should it have been a yellow card? Now it's 10 minutes off. In the good old times it would have been a red card or only a yellow'. "It doesn't sound like a fantastic idea in the first moment but actually I can't remember the last fantastic idea (which) came from these guys, if they ever had one. I am 56 and, pah, never." × Postecoglou said the plan could be another misstep by football's authorities after the controversial introduction of the widely criticised VAR system. "I don't think people will be surprised by my thoughts on it. I struggle to understand this urgency all of a sudden to bring in new things," he said. ALSO READ | Golf: Bankers warn Saudis of facing possible prison time for aiding PGA-LIV probe "I don't know if there's that much wrong with the game as I see it. My biggest issue with the game right now is that VAR has changed the experience, whether you're a player, a manager or a supporter. "Beyond that, I don't know why a different colour card is going to make any difference." Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta called for the proposals to be rigorously tested before blue cards are given the green light. "We've got a lot going on with decisions, with technology. I don't know if we are ready for that yet," he said. "Who knows (if it is a good idea). Hopefully it's going to be tested very well before they introduce it at this level."

Premier League: Bosses unconvinced by 'blue card' plan after IFAB sets for trail

Football teams will be allowed to use five substitutes when play resumes after the coronavirus pandemic, the sport's law-making body announced on Friday.

The International Football Association Board (IFAB) said in as statement that it had agreed to a proposal by world governing body FIFA for a temporary change to the rules "to protect player welfare".

Teams face likely fixture congestion in a packed calendar as they attempt to make up for lost time when play can resume.

The lay off is expected to have an impact on player fitness levels too.

It also said that competitions which were using video assistant referee (VAR) would be allowed to drop it for the time being.

The change will apply to competitions scheduled to be completed by 31 December of this year, although FIFA and IFAB left open the possibility that the period could be extended.

While teams will be able to make five substitutions, "to avoid disruption to the game, each team will only have three opportunities to make substitutions" as well as at half time or before extra time.

In competitions that allow an another replacement in extra time, teams will have an additional substitution opportunity.

The previous limit on outfield substitutes for top-level competitions has been three in regulation time.

<h2>- Euro possibility -</h2>

The IFAB said the change had been made "as matches may be played in a condensed period in different weather conditions, both of which could have impacts on player welfare."

It added that "the decision on whether to apply this temporary amendment will remain at the discretion of each individual competition organiser."

It said that, together with FIFA, it "will determine at a later stage whether this temporary amendment would need to be extended further.

That means the measure could be maintained for the whole of the 2020-21 season and right through to the next European Championship, which was postponed by a year until June and July 2021 because of the pandemic.

"If the measure is still in force, UEFA could then adopt it for the Euro," a source said.

It remains to be seen if the measure could be left in place permanently, but doing so may play into the hands of the wealthiest clubs with the largest squads and greatest strength in depth.

The announcement comes a day after the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) said it had proposed allowing teams in Spain to make five substitutions if matches resumed in the country.

Thursday's statement said that it was the RFEF who raised the possibility of introducing the measure to FIFA "more than a month ago".

The statement also said that La Liga chief Javier Tebas had shown support for the move, which takes a similar format to IFAB's.

"With this proposal, the federation wants to go ahead and propose measures that favour the health of footballers," said RFEF president Luis Rubiales.

Football teams will be allowed to use five substitutes when play resumes after the coronavirus pandemic, the sport's law-making body announced on Friday. The International Football Association Board (IFAB) said in as statement that it had agreed to a proposal by world governing body FIFA for a temporary change to the rules "to protect player welfare".

Football teams will be allowed to use five substitutes when play resumes after the coronavirus pandemic, the sport's law-making body announced on Friday. The International Football Association Board (IFAB) said in as statement that it had agreed to a proposal by world governing body FIFA for a temporary change to the rules "to protect player welfare". Teams face likely fixture congestion in a packed calendar as they attempt to make up for lost time when play can resume. The lay off is expected to have an impact on player fitness levels too. It also said that competitions which were using video assistant referee (VAR) would be allowed to drop it for the time being. The change will apply to competitions scheduled to be completed by 31 December of this year, although FIFA and IFAB left open the possibility that the period could be extended. While teams will be able to make five substitutions, "to avoid disruption to the game, each team will only have three opportunities to make substitutions" as well as at half time or before extra time. In competitions that allow an another replacement in extra time, teams will have an additional substitution opportunity. The previous limit on outfield substitutes for top-level competitions has been three in regulation time. - Euro possibility - The IFAB said the change had been made "as matches may be played in a condensed period in different weather conditions, both of which could have impacts on player welfare." It added that "the decision on whether to apply this temporary amendment will remain at the discretion of each individual competition organiser." It said that, together with FIFA, it "will determine at a later stage whether this temporary amendment would need to be extended further. That means the measure could be maintained for the whole of the 2020-21 season and right through to the next European Championship, which was postponed by a year until June and July 2021 because of the pandemic. "If the measure is still in force, UEFA could then adopt it for the Euro," a source said. It remains to be seen if the measure could be left in place permanently, but doing so may play into the hands of the wealthiest clubs with the largest squads and greatest strength in depth. The announcement comes a day after the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) said it had proposed allowing teams in Spain to make five substitutions if matches resumed in the country. Thursday's statement said that it was the RFEF who raised the possibility of introducing the measure to FIFA "more than a month ago". The statement also said that La Liga chief Javier Tebas had shown support for the move, which takes a similar format to IFAB's. "With this proposal, the federation wants to go ahead and propose measures that favour the health of footballers," said RFEF president Luis Rubiales.

Football to allow five substitutes during post-virus fixture backlog

Soccer's rule-making body IFAB is to look at ways of providing more information during matches about <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/english-premier-league-promises-to-improve-and-speed-up-var-use-262258">Video Assistant Referee</a> (VAR) decisions, it said following a meeting on Tuesday.

The use of VAR, match officials who use technology to review certain decisions made by the referee, has been surrounded by <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/var-system-has-made-four-errors-in-premier-league-referees-chief-249386">controversy</a> over the last few months.

Some fans say the system goes far beyond its original remit, which involved only reviewing the most glaring mistakes,&nbsp;and that decisions are <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/copa-america-organisers-satisfied-with-use-of-var-despite-lengthy-delays-230565">taking too long</a>.

The International Football Association Board (IFAB) said in a statement that its members had agreed to "explore different communication options to improve the understanding of the decision-making process".

It recognised that there was a "growing demand for more immediate information about the referee’s final decisions after a VAR-review."

In some leagues where VAR is used, screens in the stadium indicate that a VAR review is taking place and then relay the decision but with only minimal information such as "No goal".

There have been several cases where a goal has been officially announced in the stadium, the players have celebrated and the ball is back in the centre circle ready for kickoff only for a VAR review to take place.

Napoli coach Carlo Ancelotti complained recently that it was often difficult to know whether the VAR or the pitch referee was in charge of a match.

IFAB said the meeting received "positive feedback" on the changes to the laws, including a handball rule, which were introduced in June, even though, like VAR, this has been subject to much criticism.

It also agreed to set up an "expert group" to look into whether the rules need to be changed to allow for better treatment for players who suffer concussion.

The group will look a new ways of assessing concussion during a match and how to deal with it, "taking into consideration all potential resulting consequences, with player safety at the forefront".

At present, referees must stop the match in cases of suspected concussion to allow the examination of the injured player who can only return to the game with permission from the team doctor.

However, world players' union FIFPro says this does not go far enough. It wants players to be looked at by a neutral doctor and temporary substitutions to be allowed for up to 10 minutes while the examination takes place.

IFAB's annual general meeting on February&nbsp;29 will decide which proposals will be incorporated into the rules.

Soccer's rule-making body IFAB is to look at ways of providing more information during matches about Video Assistant Referee (VAR) decisions, it said following a meeting on Tuesday.

Soccer's rule-making body IFAB is to look at ways of providing more information during matches about Video Assistant Referee (VAR) decisions, it said following a meeting on Tuesday. The use of VAR, match officials who use technology to review certain decisions made by the referee, has been surrounded by controversy over the last few months. Some fans say the system goes far beyond its original remit, which involved only reviewing the most glaring mistakes, and that decisions are taking too long. The International Football Association Board (IFAB) said in a statement that its members had agreed to "explore different communication options to improve the understanding of the decision-making process". It recognised that there was a "growing demand for more immediate information about the referee’s final decisions after a VAR-review." In some leagues where VAR is used, screens in the stadium indicate that a VAR review is taking place and then relay the decision but with only minimal information such as "No goal". There have been several cases where a goal has been officially announced in the stadium, the players have celebrated and the ball is back in the centre circle ready for kickoff only for a VAR review to take place. Napoli coach Carlo Ancelotti complained recently that it was often difficult to know whether the VAR or the pitch referee was in charge of a match. IFAB said the meeting received "positive feedback" on the changes to the laws, including a handball rule, which were introduced in June, even though, like VAR, this has been subject to much criticism. It also agreed to set up an "expert group" to look into whether the rules need to be changed to allow for better treatment for players who suffer concussion. The group will look a new ways of assessing concussion during a match and how to deal with it, "taking into consideration all potential resulting consequences, with player safety at the forefront". At present, referees must stop the match in cases of suspected concussion to allow the examination of the injured player who can only return to the game with permission from the team doctor. However, world players' union FIFPro says this does not go far enough. It wants players to be looked at by a neutral doctor and temporary substitutions to be allowed for up to 10 minutes while the examination takes place. IFAB's annual general meeting on February 29 will decide which proposals will be incorporated into the rules.

Football: Rule-makers look at ways of providing more information about VAR decisions

This week's Nations League finals and Euro 2020 qualifiers will not feature changes to the laws of the game which officially came into effect from June, European soccer governing body UEFA said on Tuesday.

UEFA said the new rules, including red and yellow cards for team officials and a "clearer" wording of the handball rule, would be introduced into its competitions from June 25 in line with "dispensation" from soccer's rule-making body IFAB.

Other changes to the rules set to be introduced include a ban attacking players disrupting the opposition's defensive wall at free kicks - they must now be one metre away from the wall - and an attempt to cut down on time-wasting by forcing substituted players to leave the pitch at the nearest boundary.

This would stop the practice of substituted players delaying play by wandering across the pitch to their bench and shaking hands with teammates and match officials on the way.

"To avoid any disruption due to limited preparation time and any resulting lack of awareness of the substantial number of changes to the Laws of the Game, UEFA has decided to time the implementation to coincide with the start of the new season," it said in a statement.

UEFA said the changes would be introduced from the preliminary round of the 2019/20 Champions League, starting on June 25, and would feature in the Euro 2020 qualifiers in September.

Under the new handball rules, free kicks will be awarded in some situations even if the handball is clearly accidental.

These include the ball going into the goal after touching an attacking player's hand or arm, a player scoring or creating a scoring chance after gaining control of the ball by using their hand or arm and the ball touching the hand or arm of a player who has made their body "unnaturally bigger".

IFAB says in its guidelines that "football does not accept a goal being scored by a hand/arm (even if accidental)".

However, if a player is falling and the ball touches their hand or arm when it is between their body and the ground, it will not be considered handball. The same will apply when the ball rebounds onto the hand or arm from another part of the player's body.

This week's Nations League finals and Euro 2020 qualifiers will not feature changes to the laws of the game which officially came into effect from June, European soccer governing body UEFA said on Tuesday.

This week's Nations League finals and Euro 2020 qualifiers will not feature changes to the laws of the game which officially came into effect from June, European soccer governing body UEFA said on Tuesday. UEFA said the new rules, including red and yellow cards for team officials and a "clearer" wording of the handball rule, would be introduced into its competitions from June 25 in line with "dispensation" from soccer's rule-making body IFAB. Other changes to the rules set to be introduced include a ban attacking players disrupting the opposition's defensive wall at free kicks - they must now be one metre away from the wall - and an attempt to cut down on time-wasting by forcing substituted players to leave the pitch at the nearest boundary. This would stop the practice of substituted players delaying play by wandering across the pitch to their bench and shaking hands with teammates and match officials on the way. "To avoid any disruption due to limited preparation time and any resulting lack of awareness of the substantial number of changes to the Laws of the Game, UEFA has decided to time the implementation to coincide with the start of the new season," it said in a statement. UEFA said the changes would be introduced from the preliminary round of the 2019/20 Champions League, starting on June 25, and would feature in the Euro 2020 qualifiers in September. Under the new handball rules, free kicks will be awarded in some situations even if the handball is clearly accidental. These include the ball going into the goal after touching an attacking player's hand or arm, a player scoring or creating a scoring chance after gaining control of the ball by using their hand or arm and the ball touching the hand or arm of a player who has made their body "unnaturally bigger". IFAB says in its guidelines that "football does not accept a goal being scored by a hand/arm (even if accidental)". However, if a player is falling and the ball touches their hand or arm when it is between their body and the ground, it will not be considered handball. The same will apply when the ball rebounds onto the hand or arm from another part of the player's body.

UEFA confirms new laws will not be implemented at Nations League

Video referees could help introduce key rule changes in 25 areas of the game such as awarding a penalty goal for a handball offence on the goal line, soccer&#39;s lawmaking body has said.

David Elleray, the technical director of the International Football Association Board (IFAB), said video assistant referees could trigger key changes to the handball rule to make the game fairer.

Elleray said incidents like Luis Suarez&#39;s handball on the line during Uruguay&#39;s 2010 World Cup match against Ghana was discussed. The African side missed the resulting penalty and a chance to qualify to the semi-finals of the tournament.

&quot;The IFAB is looking at 25 areas of the game aiming to make it fairer and handball is one of those,&quot; the 62-year-old former referee told the Times.

&quot;One of those areas we are discussing is incidents similar to the handball by Luis Su&aacute;rez in the 2010 World Cup.

&quot;A lot of people have said in those kind of incidents why can&#39;t you give that as a goal if it is clearly going in.&quot;

The video assistance, which is being tested ahead of the 2018 World Cup, played a key role earlier this week when it disallowed an offside goal from France striker Antoine Griezmann in a friendly against Spain.

(Reuters)

Video referees could help introduce key rule changes into football, such as awarding a penalty goal for a handball offence on the goal line

Video referees could help introduce key rule changes in 25 areas of the game such as awarding a penalty goal for a handball offence on the goal line, soccer's lawmaking body has said. David Elleray, the technical director of the International Football Association Board (IFAB), said video assistant referees could trigger key changes to the handball rule to make the game fairer. Elleray said incidents like Luis Suarez's handball on the line during Uruguay's 2010 World Cup match against Ghana was discussed. The African side missed the resulting penalty and a chance to qualify to the semi-finals of the tournament. "The IFAB is looking at 25 areas of the game aiming to make it fairer and handball is one of those," the 62-year-old former referee told the Times. "One of those areas we are discussing is incidents similar to the handball by Luis Suárez in the 2010 World Cup. "A lot of people have said in those kind of incidents why can't you give that as a goal if it is clearly going in." The video assistance, which is being tested ahead of the 2018 World Cup, played a key role earlier this week when it disallowed an offside goal from France striker Antoine Griezmann in a friendly against Spain. (Reuters)

Video referees set to drive major rule changes: IFAB

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