The universality of the Laws of the Game means that the game is essentially the same in every part of the world and at every level. As well as creating a ‘fair’ and safe environment in which the game is played, the Laws should also promote participation and enjoyment.
\nHistorically, The IFAB has allowed national football associations (FAs) some flexibility to modify the ‘organisational’ Laws for specific categories of football. The IFAB strongly believes that national FAs should be able to modify some aspects of the way football is organised if it will benefit football in their own country.
\nHow the game is played and refereed should be the same on every football field in the world, from the FIFA World Cup™ final to the smallest village. However, the needs of a country’s domestic football should determine how long the game lasts, how many people can take part and how some unfair behaviour is punished.
\nAll national FAs (and confederations and FIFA) have the option to modify all or some of the following organisational areas of the Laws of the Game for football for which they are responsible:
\nFor all levels of the game:
\nthe use of additional permanent concussion substitutions (applying The IFAB’s protocol)*See also Law 3 for the conditions that apply to matches that go to extra time and details on the restriction on substitution opportunities.
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For youth, veterans, disability and grassroots football:
\nnumber of playersspecific requirements for the captain’s compulsory armbandIn addition, to allow national FAs further flexibility to benefit and develop their domestic football, the following changes relating to ‘categories’ of football are permitted:
\nThe IFAB’s trialsThere are times when a potential Law change needs to be tested or trialled to evaluate both the expected and unexpected impacts that it may have on the game. Confederations, national FAs and competition organisers must have permission from The IFAB to take part in any such trials.
In 2024/25, The IFAB’s trials will include:
The use of a captain-only zone around the referee in certain situationsThe use of official cooling-off periods following some confrontation situationsA different approach to dealing with the goalkeeper holding the ball for too longThe referee announcing and explaining the final decision after a VAR ‘review’ or lengthy VAR ‘check’Further details on, and the protocols for, all trials may be found at www.theifab.com (in the ‘Trials’ section).
Those wishing to apply to take part in any trial should contact The IFAB using: trials@theifab.com.
National FAs have the option to approve different modifications for different competitions – there is no requirement to apply them universally or to apply them all. However, no other modifications are allowed without the permission of The IFAB.
\nNational FAs are asked to inform The IFAB of their use of these modifications, and at which levels, as this information, and especially the reason(s) why the modifications are being used, may identify development ideas or strategies which The IFAB can share to assist the development of football in other national FAs.
\nThe IFAB would also be very interested to hear about other potential modifications to the Laws of the Game which could increase participation, make football more attractive and promote its worldwide development.
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