Times Of Swaziland: FOOTBALL’S LAWS FACE MAJOR REVIEW

FOOTBALL’S LAWS FACE MAJOR REVIEW
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Nimrod Hlophe on 23/02/2025 08:10:00


MBABANE - FIFA and the International Football Association Board (IFAB) are set
to discuss several proposed modifications to the laws of football, potentially
reshaping the game from July 1, 2025. Next month’s meeting will consider key
proposals, including reforming penalty kicks and the offside rule (Wenger Law),
implementing real-time video assistant referee (VAR) communication, introducing
a ‘challenger’ system for coach-requested reviews and addressing
time-wasting tactics. The International Federation of Association Football
(FIFA) is exploring the possibility of scrapping the second chance in a penalty
shootout.
Reports suggest FIFA is discussing adjusting the rules to prevent attackers from
exploiting counter-attacks from the goalkeeper, similar to what happens in
penalty shootouts after extra time. FIFA Head of Referees, Pierluigi Collina,
has confirmed this proposal is under consideration, noting that 75 per cent of
penalty kicks are scored, while allowing the follow-up counter-attack is unfair
to goalkeepers. In an interview with Italian journalist “La Repubblica”,
Collina explained the idea is based on the principle of one opportunity: “In
the penalty shootout, either the ball is scored or play restarts with a goal
kick. This amendment could reduce the controversy surrounding saved
penalties.”
Offside
A central point of discussion will be Arsène Wenger’s proposed offside rule
reform. Wenger, FIFA’s Chief of Global Football Development, aims to create a
more attacking and less-interrupted game. The core change involves defining
offside based on whether the entire body of the attacker is beyond the last
defender’s line. If any part of the attacker’s body remains level with the
last defender, the player would be considered onside.
The IFAB will also re-examine time-wasting. While recent efforts to add stoppage
time have helped, the amount of actual playing time remains low in many games.
The possibility of using a running clock, stopping the clock when the ball is
out of play (similar to basketball or futsal), will be debated. This would
ensure equal playing time and reduce the impact of time-wasting tactics.  A rule
has also been proposed that would see goalkeepers concede corner kicks or
throw-ins if they hold the ball for more than eight seconds.
Other potential adjustments to rules regarding neutral throw-ins and
centre-circle restarts will also be discussed. Regarding VAR, which is yet to be
introduced in Eswatini, FIFA and the IFAB aim to increase transparency,
potentially implementing live communication of decisions globally. This
approach, already tested in tournaments like the Intercontinental Cup, aims to
improve understanding and reduce controversy by providing viewers, players and
coaches with immediate insight into VAR reviews.
The introduction of a ‘challenger’ system, allowing coaches to request
reviews, is also being considered, although its implementation depends on
ongoing trials in various competitions.
Eswatini is likely to benefit from this law, if passed, during international
assignments such as the Council of Southern Africa Football Associations
(COSAFA) competitions, where it has been stated that all this year’s
competitions will be played under VAR.