The IFAB and The FA have introduced several key updates to the Laws of the Game for the 2024/25 season. Here are the most significant changes:
Law 1 – The Field of Play
- Goal Line Technology (GLT): GLT indications can now be communicated via the referee’s earpiece/headset, ensuring quicker and clearer communication.
Law 3 – The Players
- Concussion Substitutions: Competitions can now implement additional permanent concussion substitutions, allowing for better player safety.
- Team Captains: Each team must designate a captain who wears an identifying armband for easy recognition by officials and players.
Law 4 – The Players’ Equipment
- Shinguards: Players are responsible for the size and suitability of their shinguards, ensuring proper protection.
- Other Equipment: Goalkeepers’ gloves and tracksuit bottoms are categorized under ‘other equipment’ instead of ‘compulsory equipment’.
Law 12 – Fouls and Misconduct
- Handball Offences: Non-deliberate handball offences that lead to penalties are now treated similarly to fouls involving attempts to play the ball, providing consistent sanctioning.
Law 14 – The Penalty Kick
- Ball Positioning: A part of the ball must touch or overhang the center of the penalty mark.
- Player Encroachment: Encroachment by players during penalty kicks will be penalized only if it impacts the play, aligning with the philosophy of penalizing goalkeeper encroachment.
Temporary Dismissals (Sin Bins)
- Players temporarily dismissed can only return to the field during a stoppage. System B guidelines have been simplified to improve implementation.
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