Laws of the Game 2023-2024 – Changes and Updates

In a recent announcement as of 17 April 2023, the Laws of the Game for the upcoming 2023/24 season have undergone some notable changes, aiming to refine and enhance the footballing experience for players, officials, and fans alike. Here is the list of these changes including the details:

Law 3 – The Players

One significant clarification in this section pertains to the presence of extra person(s) on the field when a goal is scored. The updated language provides more clarity on how this scenario should be handled, ensuring fairness and accuracy in match outcomes.

Law 6 – The Other Match Officials

A noteworthy addition to Law 6 introduces the concept of a Reserve Assistant Referee (RAR) being permitted to assist the main referee in a manner similar to other on-field match officials. This change reflects a commitment to optimizing officiating processes during the game.

Law 7 – The Duration of the Match

Goal celebrations are now explicitly recognized as a separate bullet point in the list of causes of time lost for which referees make allowances. This modification recognises the emotional and thrilling moments that define football, ensuring that celebrations are appropriately accommodated within the match duration.

Law 10 – Determining the Outcome of a Match

The term ‘kicks from the penalty mark’ is now replaced with ‘penalties (penalty shoot-out).’ Additionally, a clarification has been introduced, specifying that warnings and cautions issued to team officials and players are not carried forward into penalty shoot-outs. This change streamlines the terminology and ensures a fair and consistent approach to disciplinary actions.

Law 11 – Offside

Guidelines differentiating between ‘deliberate play’ and ‘deflection’ have been clarified, as outlined in Circular 26 from July 2022. The goal of this modification is to reduce uncertainty and potential disagreements by increasing the precision of offside determinations.

Law 12 – Fouls and Misconduct

A crucial clarification in Law 12 emphasizes that if a penalty kick is awarded for an offense involving a defending team player challenging an opponent for the ball, the same sanction should be issued as for an attempt to play the ball. This includes considerations for stopping or interfering with a promising attack, with the appropriate level of caution or no caution.

Another clarification within Law 12 specifies that the senior team coach in the technical area cannot be sanctioned for an offense committed by an ‘unidentified’ player, bringing further nuance to the responsibilities of team officials.

Law 14 – The Penalty Kick

In Law 14, a new clarification stipulates that goalkeepers must not behave in a manner that fails to show respect for the game and the opponent, especially by unfairly distracting the kicker. This amendment reinforces the importance of sportsmanship and fair play during penalty kicks.

Video Assistant Referee (VAR) Protocol

The VAR protocol now confirms that the VAR ‘light’ system does not involve a replay operator (RO), providing insights into the technological aspects of the game and how video review processes are managed.