The most important rule changes for the 2019/20 season

Handballs

The handball rule has repeatedly caused confusion in the past. Now, though, there will be clarity on one point at least: every goal scored with an arm or a hand is against the rules and will be disallowed.

Goal kicks

Another change to be introduced this season is that it will now be possible to play a goal-kick in the penalty area. This was previously not allowed and the kick had to be retaken. Opponents must remain outside the penalty area until the ball is in play.

Drop balls

Almost every fan knows an inadvertent touch from a referee is part and parcel of the game, but the IFAB has made a change here too. If the direction of the ball changes decisively following a touch from the match official or the opposing team takes possession of the ball, there will be a drop ball. As such, there shall be no disadvantage for the team that previously had possession of the ball.

Substitutions

If a team is in front and there is little time left, you often see a player who is being substituted taking their time to come off and walking across the pitch slowly. Now, though, the referee can request a player leaves the pitch from whichever point is nearest. The purpose of this is to speed up the play.

Cards for coaches and officials

In addition to the players on the pitch, coaches and officials can also be cautioned by the refereeing team from now on. A red card in this context basically amounts to being sent to the stands.

Free-kick walls

There will be less jostling in the wall before a free-kick is taken in future. When a defending team has three or more players in a wall, the attacking team can no longer place a player in or next to it.

Quickly taken free-kicks

Showing a yellow card to a player who has committed a foul previously prevented the fouled team from taking the ensuing free-kick quickly. Now, however, the referee will have the possibility to wait until the next break in play before showing the booking, in order to ensure that the fouled team can take the free-kick quickly and may, for example, create a goalscoring chance.

Coin tosses

Previously, the winner of the coin toss could only choose which end of the pitch they wanted to attack. Now the player can choose whether to take the kick-off or which goal to attack.