News

Laws of the Game 2025/2026 Update

26-07-2025

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The Laws of the Game have been updated in July 2025 and come into effect for our Cork Business League Short Season starting on 1st August.

🧤 Key Change: 8-Second Rule Enforcement

New Penalty for Time-Wasting: If a goalkeeper controls the ball with their hands/arms for more than 8 seconds, the referee will now award a corner kick to the opposing team.
This replaces the previous punishment of an indirect free kick.

⏱ Referee Countdown Signal

Referees will now use a visible countdown signal during the last 5 seconds of the 8-second period to help enforce the rule and make it clearer to players and spectators.

These changes aim to reduce time-wasting, speed up play, and increase fairness, especially in tight matches where delaying tactics can be impactful.

🔄 Key Change: Fairer Drop Ball Restarts

Inside the Penalty Area: If play is stopped while the ball is in the penalty area, the drop ball is given to the defending team’s goalkeeper—this remains unchanged.
Outside the Penalty Area:
- The ball is now dropped for the team that clearly had or would have gained possession when play was stopped.
- If it’s not clear who would have gained possession, the ball is dropped for the team that last touched it.
- The drop occurs at the position where play was stopped, not necessarily where the ball last touched a player or object.

🎯 Purpose of the Change

This update aims to:

Make restarts fairer in situations where the ball was likely going to one team.
Reduce disputes and confusion over possession during drop ball scenarios.