International Football Association Board

The International Football Association Board (IFAB) is the independent body responsible for determining and amending the Laws of the Game in football. Established in 1886, it is composed of the four British associations (England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland) and FIFA, with each having one vote. The IFAB is newsworthy as it recently approved significant rule changes that will be implemented in upcoming major tournaments, such as the 2026 World Cup. These changes include stricter enforcement of red cards for actions like covering mouths, measures against time-wasting during corner kicks, and expanded use of VAR technology. Furthermore, the IFAB has made decisions impacting national team competitions, such as allowing up to eleven substitutions in a match, a novelty for national team coaches like Germany's Julian Nagelsmann. The IFAB's decisions directly shape the sport's evolution and are crucial for referees, players, and coaches worldwide.