IFAB votes on 4 regulation changes! » New to the VAR analysis + Extension of the 8-second rule to the authors

In addition to the two already publicized, the offside and the 2-minute removal for players seeking medical help, there are news on the 8-second rule and the VAR analysis of the red cards awarded by the referee after a second caution dictated.

On 20 January 2026, the IFAB, the sole and undisputed body responsible for innovating and changing the rules of football, will meet to decide, test or formally implement some already experienced innovations (for example, the two-minute time-out for medical care requests) or to introduce other changes, initially in the form of field testing/verification.

The two-minute elimination rule, also introduced at WC 2026?!

“4 themes will be discussed that could change several things, including the changes to the VAR protocol and the parameters taken into account when judging offsides”writes La Gazzetta dello Sport.

The 2 minute rule it has already been tested with positive results (the 30-second half-time is already used in the Premier League, in MLS it has been in force for 3 years, and in the League Cup a 2-minute period outside the field is established): in the Arab Cup, the 2-minute suspension was implemented in the event of an intervention by the medical staff after a game foul.

A report will be sent to the IFAB and then a decision will be madewith indications that it could be the nearest innovation to take effect. Maybe even from the 2026 World Cup in the USA, Canada and Mexico.

“There is another useful rule against simulators: if the player is injured and the medical staff has entered the field, they will leave the field and remain off the field after play resumes for two minutes.” explains Pierluigi Collina, head of refereeing at FIFA.

“Valid goal if at least one of the body parts with which it is allowed to mark overlaps the silhouette of the opponent”

Gazzetta dello Sport believes that “the double aim is clear: safe treatment and simulations that must no longer be tolerated. In the next two minutes of the match, the team will remain in 10 men. There are two exceptions to the rule: the goalkeeper will not be targeted in any case, and the injured player remains on the field if the opponent who fouled him has been cautioned or sent off”.

We continue to improve the VAR system with more and more advanced technologies to help referees make the right decision. We continue to analyze the rules, asking ourselves how we can make the game more offensive, more attractive
– Gianni InfantinoFIFA president

Recent statements from FIFA also refer to “rthe offside rule, which has evolved over the years, and requires the forward to be behind the defender, in line with him. Maybe in the future he will have to be fully forward to be in position out of the play'.

Gianni Infantino's idea is to validate a goal if at least one of the four parts of the body with which it is allowed to mark (head, torso, legs, soles) overlaps the defender's body. While, conversely, it is offside if the whole body is beyond the last defender.

VAR check not only for the straight “red”, but also for the second yellow! The 8″ rule for goal kicks and throw-ins

The third topic: wasted time. FIFA plans to extend the 8-second limit for restarting play with the ball in the goalkeeper's possession. IFAB submits to vote if the rule applies to goal kicks and even throw-ins.

There is also the option that those 8 seconds of possession will be reduced. If the time limit is exceeded, a corner kick will be awarded to the opposing team. “I've noticed that since the changes to this rule were made, almost no one has been penalized,” Collina said a month ago.

The fourth theme, and not the last in a row, is related to the second yellow card and involves VAR. The idea is to to allow “checking” not only for a direct “red” but also for a “second warning”.

“Football is evolving and we are continuously improving VAR with more and more advanced technology to help referees make the right decisions,” concluded Infantino.