FIFA releases new rules almost every year, but some changes are much bigger than others. Here are the 11 changes that had the biggest impact on the game.
1. Introduction of the penalty kick (1891)
Before the penalty kick was introduced, fouls inside the penalty area were punished with a free-kick. However, this often led to teams committing fouls deliberately to prevent the opposition from scoring.
To counter this, the penalty kick was introduced in 1891 as a way to punish serious offenses more severely. This led to fewer deliberate fouls and more attacking play.
2. Offside rule (1863)
The offside rule has been modified many times throughout history to ensure that attacking players do not gain an unfair advantage by being in an offside position. The current version of the offside rule, introduced in 1990, states that a player is offside if they are closer to the opposing team’s goal line than the ball and the second-to-last defender (excluding the goalkeeper) when the ball is played to them.
This rule encourages attacking players to time their runs more strategically and avoid being in an offside position, leading to more dynamic and strategic attacking play.
3. Introduction of red and yellow cards (1970)
Before the introduction of the red and yellow card system, referees had limited tools to control player behavior, which sometimes led to players committing violent or unsporting acts on the field. Referee Ken Aston introduced the red and yellow card system during the 1970 World Cup as a way to help control the game and improve player behavior.
A yellow card is shown as a warning for minor offenses, while a red card indicates a player has been sent off for serious offenses. This system has helped to reduce the number of violent incidents on the field and encourages players to play with more discipline and sportsmanship.
4. Golden goal rule (1993)
The golden goal rule was introduced in 1993 as a way to avoid penalty shootouts and encourage more attacking play during extra time. If a team scored a goal during extra time, the game would immediately end, and that team would be declared the winner.
The golden goal rule was supposed to encourage teams to play more offensively during extra time, leading to more dramatic and exciting moments. However, the rule was eventually abolished in 2004 due to criticisms that it encouraged overly cautious play and led to less exciting and adventurous football.
5. Introduction of VAR (2018)
The Video Assistant Referee (VAR) was introduced in the 2018 World Cup as a way to assist referees in making important decisions on the field. The system uses technology to review decisions made by the referee, such as goals, penalties, and red cards.
The introduction of VAR has reduced the number of controversial or incorrect decisions made during matches. However, some people argue that VAR slows down the game and removes some of the spontaneity and unpredictability of football.
6. Back-pass rule (1992)
Before 1992, goalkeepers were allowed to pick up and handle the ball from a back-pass by a teammate. This often led to time-wasting and overly defensive play. The back-pass rule was introduced in 1992, prohibiting goalkeepers from picking up the ball if it had been deliberately passed to them by a teammate.
This rule encouraged more attacking and adventurous play, as teams were forced to play the ball forward rather than relying on their goalkeeper to maintain possession. The back-pass rule also helped to reduce time-wasting and overly defensive play, leading to a more exciting and dynamic style of football.
7. Three-substitution rule (1965)
Before the introduction of the three-substitution rule in 1965, substitutions were not allowed except for in the case of an injured goalkeeper. This meant that teams were unable to make tactical changes to their lineup during a game.
The introduction of the three-substitution rule allowed each team to make up to three substitutions per game, providing coaches with more flexibility and allowing players to be rested or replaced due to injury or poor performance. This change has also led to more intense and physical play, as players can be replaced if they become tired or fatigued.
8. Throw-in rule (1872)
The throw-in rule was introduced in 1872, and it states that a player must throw the ball in with both feet on the ground and from behind the touchline. The purpose of this rule is to ensure that the ball is put back into play fairly after it has gone out of bounds.
The throw-in rule has not had a significant impact on the way the game is played, but it does encourage players to be precise and strategic with their throw-ins, as they can provide an opportunity for a team to advance the ball up the field.
9. Double-pass rule (1924)
Before 1924, a player who passed the ball to a teammate could not receive the ball back until an opponent had touched it. The double-pass rule abolished this restriction and allowed more fluid passing and attacking play. This rule change encouraged players to pass the ball more frequently and strategically, leading to a more dynamic and creative style of play.
10. Extra time and penalty shoot-out rule (1970)
Before 1970, games that ended in a draw went to a replay. The introduction of extra time and penalty shoot-outs allowed games to be decided on the day of the match, increasing the excitement and drama of the game.
This rule change has also led to more attacking play during extra time, as teams are motivated to score a goal and avoid a penalty shoot-out. For the fans, penalty shoot-outs provide a thrilling and high-pressure moment in the game, making it one of the most exciting aspects of football.
11. Introduction of the goal-line technology (2012)
The introduction of goal-line technology in 2012 was a response to controversies that arose from goals that were incorrectly awarded or not awarded due to the inability of referees and linesmen to see whether the ball had crossed the goal line. The technology uses cameras to determine whether the ball has fully crossed the goal line, providing a definitive decision that eliminates any doubts or controversies.
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