Celtic are in a title fight, so new rule changes from next season may not be the first thing on everyone’s mind.
Though IFAB have announced the latest set of law changes, which will come into effect at the start of the 2026/27 campaign.
This includes extending VAR powers of what is reviewable and time limits on goal kicks and throw-ins.
It will be interesting to see how strictly some of the new rules are implemented.
A ten-second time limit for players to leave the field of play when being substituted will be enforced. If the time limit is exceeded, the substitute cannot enter until the first stoppage after one minute has elapsed.
‘Only the captain’ guidelines will become a compulsory protocol for all competitions as of July 1 2027, meaning he is the only player allowed to speak to the referee regarding decisions.
Competitions are permitted to use technology to help the referee make/change decisions in relation to the video assistant referee (VAR)protocol, ball in/out of play (including goal line technology) and offside (including semi-automated offside technology).
Clarification that the advantage may be applied when a restart is incorrectly taken and the ball is in play.
Barring certain exceptions, players who receive assessment/treatment on the field of play or who cause play to be stopped due to injury must leave and remain off the field of play for one minute after play has restarted.
VAR may review:
- an incorrect red card resulting from a clearly wrong second yellow card
- a player wrongly being shown a red or yellow card when the offence was committed by another player of either team
- a wrongly awarded corner kick if the decision can be changed immediately and without delaying the restart
- Competitions have the option of providing referees, assistant referees and fourth officials with body cameras
- Mistaken identity reviewable when a player is shown a yellow/red card, but the offence for which the card was shown was committed by another player of either team
The dropped ball text will be amended to clarify that the team that ‘would have gained possession’ includes the team that would have taken the restart in situations where the ball would have gone out of play. When there is interference by a match official or outside agent, the ball is dropped at the position of the interference.
There will be no caution for a denial of a goal-scoring opportunity (DOGSO) offence if the advantage is played and a goal is scored.
The use of a five-second visual countdown will be introduced when a player or team delays taking a throw-in. If the time limit is exceeded, the throw-in is awarded to the opposing team.
The visual five-second countdown will also apply 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.
What This Means
The visual countdowns can only help minimise time wasting. In a Celtic context, for too long have we seen opposing sides come to Celtic Park and attempt to wind the clock down by delaying play.
The VAR changes are only really for mistaken identity, so it doesn’t change much in a general view.
As mentioned, there are some official rules that we don’t really see generally implemented during games. Though officials may be asked to tighten for consistency.
With the changes not coming into effect until next season, nothing changes for now. The Hoops are in the fight for a cup double.
They’re back at Hampden this weekend, where they face St Mirren. While league duty remains the priority, Scottish Cup silverware remains a real prospect.
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