Regulation changes in the Club World Cup: what is already in use and what is coming

With the goal of speeding up the game and increasing transparency in refereeing decisions, the  International Football Association Board (IFAB) approved a series of innovative changes aimed at transforming the current football experience.

With technical support from FIFA and the Confederations of all continents, the new regulations aim to consolidate a more dynamic, clear, and faithful sport to its essential principles.

Additionally,  some of these have already been implemented in CONMEBOL and UEFA competitions, while others will make their debut at the upcoming Club World Cup.

Rules already in use

Limit for goalkeepers holding the ball

According to the new wording of Rule 12.2,  the goalkeeper will have a maximum of eight seconds to release the ball after controlling it with their hands. If that time is exceeded, the punishment will be immediate: corner kick awarded to the opponent. The objective is to prevent deliberate delays, especially at the end of matches, and to promote the pace of the game.

The captain, only one authorized to speak with the referee

In line with what happens in other sports, Rule 3.10establishes that only the captain can speak with the referee in situations of protest or consultation. This rule seeks to reduce group pressure on referees and encourage more orderly conduct on the field. In Argentine football, this measure is already known as "Captain's Zone" and began to be applied in September 2023.

Changes that will take effect from June 1, 2025

The following updates will be introduced at the Club World Cup and then implemented in Argentine football:

• Rule 8.2 – Dropped ball: it ensures that  the team that had possession retains the ball, preventing unfair restarts.
• Rule 9.2 – External interference: if a substitute or member of the technical staff interferes when the ball has not yet gone out, an indirect free kick will be awarded, without disciplinary sanction, although the referee must justify the interruption.
• VAR decisions with public announcement: referees will be able to communicate their decisions after a VAR review, similar to rugby, strengthening public confidence in the system.
• Recommended position of the assistant referee in goal situations: in tournaments with VAR,  assistants are advised to position themselves on the penalty spot line to improve their view in reviewable actions. In leagues without VAR, their usual position is maintained.

Changes still under review

Among the most innovative proposals is the possible use of body cameras on elite referees, for educational and development purposes, although eventually they could broadcast live if member associations authorize it. This measure could be applied for the first time at the World Cup event.

Additionally, the offside criterion is being thoroughly reviewed, with the aim of promoting offensive play and reducing interpretative conflicts, in line with semi-automatic technologies.

Meanwhile, low-cost VAR trials continue for use in developing leagues, with good results during 2024.

Finally, IFAB reaffirms its commitment to the health of footballers and ethics in the sport: the "Suspect and Protect" campaign is being promoted to quickly detect concussions, and the analysis of unsporting behavior on and off the field will be intensified.