FIFA confirms four refereeing changes to be implemented in the 2025 Club World Cup

Just over two weeks before the start of the Club World Cup, FIFA — through the International Football Association Board (IFAB) — has approved four new rule changes that will take effect starting with this tournament. Additionally, two previously implemented changes from earlier this season will remain in force.

Some of these updates have already been tested in various FIFA-governed tournaments, while others will debut during the Club World Cup and may be adopted more broadly if they positively impact the game.

The first change addresses time-wasting by goalkeepers. Similar to what’s already in place in CONMEBOL tournaments, goalkeepers will now have a maximum of 8 seconds to release the ball after gaining possession. If they exceed this time, the opposing team will be awarded a corner kick.

The second active rule change limits who can speak to match officials. From now on, only the team captain will be allowed to communicate with the referee. If another player protests excessively, they may receive a yellow card.

New rules starting July 1

Four additional changes will come into effect starting July 1, meaning they will be implemented midway through the Club World Cup — between the Round of 16 and Quarterfinals.

• Drop Ball Clarification (Rule 8.2): This ensures that the team that had possession before the stoppage will retain the ball when play resumes, eliminating unfair or confusing restarts.
• Bench Interference (Rule 9.2): If a substitute or staff member interferes with play as the ball is about to leave the field, an indirect free kick will be awarded. There won’t be a disciplinary sanction, but the referee must explain the interruption and assess its impact.
• VAR Announcements: Referees will now be allowed to publicly announce their VAR decisions, as was tested at the U-20 World Cup in Argentina (2023) and the South American U-20 Championship.
• Assistant Referee Positioning: In competitions with VAR, assistant referees are advised to position themselves in line with the penalty spot for a better angle on plays that could be reviewed. In tournaments without VAR, the traditional positioning — in line with the second-last defender — will remain.

These rules will be fully implemented across major global leagues starting in the second half of the 2024–25 season.

The experimental rule for the Club World Cup

In addition to the confirmed changes, FIFA will test a new experimental rule during the Club World Cup: referees wearing body cameras. These cameras would initially be used for educational and referee development purposes, but in the future, there’s potential for live broadcast of footage to enhance transparency and fan engagement.