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IFAB Approves Major Rule Changes Ahead of 2026 FIFA World Cup

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The International Football Association Board (IFAB) has approved a number of significant amendments to the Laws of the Game, with the new regulations set to take effect ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup to be hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.

The changes are designed to reduce time-wasting, improve the flow of matches and promote better player conduct on the field.

 

Goalkeepers Limited to Eight Seconds on the Ball

One of the most notable amendments concerns goalkeepers. Under the revised law, goalkeepers will be allowed to hold the ball for a maximum of eight seconds. Should they exceed this limit, the opposing team will be awarded a corner kick.

 

Referees will visually count down the final five seconds before enforcing the sanction. Previously, goalkeepers who held the ball for more than six seconds were penalised with an indirect free kick.

 

Stricter Substitution Procedures Introduced

IFAB has also moved to speed up player substitutions. Players being substituted must leave the field within 10 seconds. Failure to do so will result in the incoming player being prevented from entering until the next stoppage in play after one minute, leaving the team temporarily short-handed.

 

Tougher Sanctions for Delayed Restarts

The governing body has further tightened rules regarding delayed restarts. Referees will employ a five-second countdown for throw-ins and goal kicks.

 

Where a team fails to restart play within the allotted time, possession will be awarded to the opposition in the case of throw-ins, while delayed goal kicks will result in a corner kick being awarded to the opposing side.

 

VAR Powers Expanded

The Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system will now have broader authority to intervene in specific situations. The expanded powers include correcting cases of mistaken identity, reviewing clearly incorrect second yellow cards that lead to dismissals, and rectifying wrongly awarded corner kicks when such errors can be corrected promptly.

 

Mandatory Hydration Breaks Introduced

As part of player welfare measures, mandatory hydration breaks will be implemented in each half of matches.

 

Additionally, teams will no longer be allowed to use injury stoppages, particularly those involving goalkeepers, as unofficial tactical timeouts. Players will be required to remain on the field instead of gathering around the technical area for instructions.

 

Increased Protection for Match Officials

IFAB has encouraged football competitions worldwide to adopt the “only the captain” communication model, which permits only team captains to approach and engage referees in designated situations. The measure is intended to improve communication and reduce dissent towards match officials

Sanctions for Players Covering Their Mouths During Confrontations

 

Players who deliberately cover their mouths while confronting referees or opponents may face disciplinary action, including the possibility of a red card.

Teams Risk Punishment for Walking Off the Pitch

 

Teams that leave the field in protest against refereeing decisions could also face severe consequences under the new regulations.

IFAB stated that referees may abandon matches in such circumstances, while competition organisers may impose additional sporting sanctions and financial penalties on offending clubs or national teams.

The new laws are expected to play a key role in enhancing discipline, fairness and the overall quality of football when they come into force at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

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VOLTA FA Division Two League competition, My opinion on Keta FC

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Volta Region Division Two middle league is in progress, I saw a trending letter signed by our mother, Mrs Enyonan of Keta FC after their exit from the ongoing Division two middle league.

She is calling on GFA Boss Mr. Kurt Edwin Okraku to interfere for fairness and things in the Volta Region RFA, Madam your opinion is respected. But when you owe a fine and you refused to pay it on time know what will happen.

Before the start of every competition clubs will be handed over with the competition’s rules and regulations. Now you are calling for fair play, which I agree with you but do you think if not fairness Keta FC would have secured a spot in the ongoing Middle league??

There’s a saying that “He who call for equity must come with clean hands” now someone was disqualified because he/she refused to pay Officiating Fee of just Ghc 200 and with that your team secured the qualification. Now Yingor protested against your team for owing Ghc 1000 and has won a case against you which justifiably led to your point lost in the competition and you are making allegations against the Regional Football Governing Body. Which I think is bad Madam.

I saw teams accusing the RFA Chairman last season but are playing finals this year, let speak to fact here and stop tarnishing the image of our football to the general public. Keta FC is still a division two club and will still participate in next season competition that will be organised by the same RFA you are accusing today.

Protecting the integrity of the game is a shared responsibility. How is it that you think your club should be treated differently at the expense of others. I also know that what is good for the goose is also good for the gander ; and that is what we call protecting the integrity of the game Madam.

We cannot allow you unjustifiably seek public sympathy painting bad image of the Volta RFA.

Madam Enyonan with my humble request I think you should come again with your letter and you clear the air that the letter in public is not coming from you.

In the first place the GFA President is a very busy person to attend to matters of mischief.

Thank you
Spain Borga

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Volta RFA Holds Key Stakeholders Meetings Ahead of 2026 Middle League Competition

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The Volta Regional Football Association (VRFA) has taken major steps toward the successful organization of the 2026 Middle League competition following a series of important stakeholders meetings held ahead of the tournament.

 

The meetings, which brought together football administrators, participating clubs, and match officials, focused on preparations, regulations, and ensuring a smooth and fair competition as teams battle for qualification to the National Division One League.

 

At an Executive Committee meeting of the VRFA, it was officially decided that the 2026 Middle League competition will be hosted at the Ho Sports Stadium from May 23 to May 31, 2026. The decision forms part of the association’s commitment to providing a suitable venue and maintaining high organizational standards for the championship.

 

Following the Executive Committee deliberations, the VRFA also held a comprehensive meeting with representatives of all eight qualified clubs expected to participate in the tournament. Discussions centered on the competition’s rules and regulations, operational guidelines, disciplinary matters, and other key issues necessary for the smooth running of the competition.

 

The meeting reportedly ended successfully, with all participating clubs agreeing to the regulations governing the tournament. Notably, all eight qualified clubs were fully represented at the meeting, demonstrating their readiness and commitment ahead of the much-anticipated competition.

 

As part of preparations, the VRFA further engaged match commissioners in a separate meeting aimed at strengthening officiating standards during the tournament. Officials were reminded of the need for professionalism, neutrality, and fairness throughout the competition to protect the integrity of the game.

 

The association emphasized the importance of fair officiating and urged commissioners to uphold the highest standards in the discharge of their duties.

 

The upcoming Middle League is expected to attract significant attention across the Volta Region as qualified clubs from various zones compete for the coveted opportunity to gain promotion to the National Division One League.

 

With preparations steadily advancing and all stakeholders actively engaged, expectations continue to build for what promises to be an exciting and highly competitive tournament at the Ho Sports Stadium.

VOLTA FA COMMUNICATION

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Forward Thomas Asante Scores for Coventry City in Massive Win Over Swansea

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Ghanaian International Brandon Thomas-Asante continued his fine form for Coventry City during their resounding victory over Swansea City in the English Championship on Saturday.

The Black Stars attacker saw 62 minutes of action as Coventry City romped to a commanding 3-0 away win in the Matchday 39 fixture at the Swansea.com Stadium.

Thomas-Asante shot Coventry City shot ahead with a smooth penalty kick in the 32nd minute.

Coventry City doubled the tally six minutes after Thomas-Asante’s goal when England international Matt Grimes scored in the 38th minute, making life difficult for Swansea City.

Thomas-Asante in Ghana squad for two friendlies

The visitors continued their onslaught when Japanese forward Tatsuhiro Sakamoto added a third goal before the break to effectively put the game beyond Swansea City.

Coventry City comfortably saw out the game to claim all three points and strengthen their position on top of the league standings with 80 points, nine points better than second placed Middlesbrough from 39 games.

Thomas-Asante has now scored 12 goals and four assists in 27 Championship appearances.

His contributions for Coventry City could pave a way for his inclusion into the Ghana squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

He made Otto Addo’s squad for Ghana’s two international friendlies against Austria and Germany this month

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