Earlier this month, several important updates to the laws of football came into effect, designed to enhance fairness, transparency, and the overall flow of play.
A key change involves communication with referees: only the team captain is now permitted to speak to the referee. If a referee steps back and raises their hand, it signals no further discussion. Any other player who approaches risks an immediate yellow card.
Goalkeepers are now under stricter time control. Referees begin a visible count as soon as the goalkeeper has full possession of the ball, encouraging faster restarts and reducing time-wasting tactics.
Drop ball procedures have also been revised. If the ball strikes the referee and it’s clear which team would have regained possession, the drop ball is awarded to that team. If unclear, possession goes to the team that last controlled the ball, similar to the old rule.
Penalty kick protocols have been adjusted. With VAR now monitoring goalkeeper movement for encroachment, assistant referees will instead focus on identifying offside and other player infringements. Repeated goalkeeper encroachment can result in a yellow card.
Coaching staff must also be cautious. Stepping onto the pitch or stopping the ball, even if unintentional, will now lead to a yellow card and a free kick to the opposing team.
Watch the video below for more details from Kevin Stoltenkamp, OFC Head of Refereeing: