These updated laws will be implemented by match officials beginning 25 April 2026, coinciding with the official start of the new season. All teams, technical staff and relevant stakeholders are urged to familiarise themselves with the key amendments.
Key Highlights of the Amendments
Throw-ins and goal kicks
When a throw-in or goal kick is deliberately delayed by the team taking the restart, the referee will whistle, signal and start a visible five-second countdown.
Substitutions
Once a substitution has been signalled by the referee or displayed on the substitution board, the player being substituted must leave the field of play within ten seconds.
Injuries
An injured outfield player who causes play to be stopped due to an actual or suspected injury, or who receives assessment or treatment on the field of play, must leave the pitch and remain off for one minute (running clock) after play restarts.
