Introduction

Football's Law-makers are set to implement major rule changes to penalty shootouts and handballs in the box. These changes include the introduction of red cards for "deliberate" penalty box handballs and the use of sin bins.

Deliberate Handball Offenses

Currently, players are only sent off for "denying an obvious goalscoring opportunity" for box handball offenses. However, new Laws recommended by the International FA Board will bring "deliberate" handball offenses in line with goal-stopping fouls. This means that players who deliberately raise their hands above the shoulder to block a cross or shot risk being sent off and conceding a penalty.

Changes to Penalties

Further changes to penalties will also be recommended. The new wording will require the ball to be placed at least partially over the center of the penalty spot. Additionally, goalkeeper "encroachment" will only result in a retake if it has a "material" effect on the outcome. This means that a spot-kick that rebounds off the post or misses the target will not be retaken, even if the goalkeeper has left the line early.

Sin Bins and Captain Communication

The International FA Board is expected to agree to trials for laws that will only allow team captains to speak to officials. This change could eventually lead to the introduction of sin bins for offenses such as repeated dissent and fouls that currently result in red cards. These trials will be held near Loch Lomond and confirmed at the March annual general meeting.

Other Considerations

There are no scheduled discussions regarding changes to the offside rule, and the idea of "daylight" between the attacking player and the last defender has been dropped. The International FA Board remains reluctant to allow live broadcasting of conversations between referees and VAR officials, despite recent controversies. However, VAR powers could be expanded to include free-kicks, corners, and second yellow cards, in addition to its current usage for match-changing incidents, goals, penalties, and red cards.