Football’s laws are once again under the spotlight as the game’s rule-makers prepare to debate adjustments that could reshape how red cards are handed out.
This time, the focus is on situations where a player stops a clear scoring chance — and whether the definition of such offences should be broadened.
Red Card Decisions Could Go Beyond One-on-One Situations
At present, a defender can only be sent off for denying an obvious goalscoring opportunity if the attacker they foul is clean through on goal.
However, that narrow interpretation may soon change.
According to reports, the International Football Association Board (IFAB) will consider extending this rule to cover more complex attacking situations.
Under the proposal, a player could still be shown a red card even if the fouled attacker was not the one most likely to score.
For example, during a fast counter-attack, if a defender commits a foul that prevents a simple pass to a teammate who would have had a clear shot on goal, that action could now qualify as denying a goalscoring opportunity.
Yellow Cards May Disappear When a Goal Is Still Scored
Another potential adjustment aims to remove what many see as a “double punishment.”
IFAB is discussing whether players should avoid yellow cards in Dogso situations when the attacking team still benefits.
If an attacker is fouled while through on goal, but the referee allows play to continue and a teammate scores, the defending player would no longer receive a booking under the proposed law.
The thinking is that once a goal is scored, additional punishment may be unnecessary.
VAR, Goalkeepers, and Time-Wasting Also on the Table
Beyond red cards and bookings, several other topics are lined up for discussion.
These include possible refinements to how VAR is used, the idea of introducing tactical timeouts for goalkeepers, and stronger measures to cut down on deliberate time-wasting — an issue that has frustrated fans and officials alike.
Who Decides and How the Votes Work
IFAB is made up of representatives from FIFA alongside the football associations of England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
For any law change to be approved, at least six votes are required.
If passed, the new rules would officially come into force from 1 July.
That said, major competitions like the World Cup or domestic leagues that start earlier in the calendar could choose to implement them sooner.
Wenger’s Offside Idea Likely Headed for Rejection
One proposal that appears unlikely to survive the meeting is Arsène Wenger’s “daylight” offside rule.
The former Arsenal manager suggested simplifying offside decisions by requiring clear separation between attacker and defender.
However, decision-makers are expected to favor alternatives they believe better protect defensive balance.
A First Step Toward Next Season’s Rule Changes
This meeting represents the opening stage in what could become a major shift in how football is officiated.
If approved, the changes would ripple through domestic leagues and international tournaments next season, altering how referees judge key moments that can decide matches.
What Happens Next?
After discussions conclude, IFAB will determine which proposals move forward to a vote — setting the stage for potential law changes that could significantly influence how the game is played and refereed in the coming season.
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