Key Points For Referees

Law 3 - The Players

  • A match may not start or continue if either team has fewer than seven players, except where this is temporary because of a temporary dismissal or where the ‘Time-limited substitution protocol’ or ‘Off-field treatment and assessment protocol’ applies; where a team is responsible, it will, in principle, forfeit the match
  • A "10-second" time limit for players leaving the field of play when substituted. If the time limit is exceeded, the substitute cannot enter until the first stoppage after one minute has elapsed.

    If the player takes longer than 10 seconds, the incoming substitute cannot enter the pitch until the first stoppage after one minute of playing time has elapsed, forcing the team to play temporarily with 10 players.

    This does not apply to U18 matches.

Law 12 – Fouls and Misconduct

  • No caution (YC) for a DOGSO offence if the advantage is played and a goal is scored

Law 14 – The Penalty Kick

  • Accidental double touches at a penalty kick
  • Removal of the automatic caution (YC) for the kicker if they and the goalkeeper offend at the same time

Law 15 – The Throw-in

  • Use of a five-second visual countdown when a player/team is delaying the taking of a throw-in. If the time limit is exceeded, the throw-in is awarded to the opposing team

Law 16 – The Goal Kick

  • Use of a five-second visual countdown when a player/team is delaying the taking of a goal kick. If the time limit is exceeded, a corner kick is awarded to the opposing team

 

2026 / 27 Changes to Laws of the Game