A review of the new rules in football this season

In a training day for the media, Maria Luisa Villa, member of the Spanish referees association (CTA) and a certified FIFA refereeing trainer, indicated that the objectives for this season will focus on consistency and uniformity in decisions, reducing errors and protecting players.

Players have also been asked to not protest in large groups when it comes to key decisions like goals or offsides because the VAR checks everything anyway.

As part of the new IFAB rules, Villa said that fouls from behind on the Achilles heel will be given a red as it is a delicate area. 

Another thing that was mentioned was that if a player catches an opponent in the face with his hand or arm without being aware of where he is, it will be a yellow. However, if it is with the elbow or with excessive force, it will be red. 

The DOGSO application remains the same. Any foul outside the box which leads to an obvious goalscoring opportunity leads to a red, but inside the area, it will only be a yellow if the defender is trying to play the ball. If a penalty is committed and a promising attack is halted, it will be a yellow if there is no attempt to play the ball and no card if there is. 

Another rule change is that players being subbed must now leave the pitch from the nearest exit point to prevent time wasting. 

From goal kicks, attackers can enter the area once the ball has been put in play even if the ball has not left the penalty area. This rule was applied at many summer tournaments like the Women's World Cup. 

There are also new rules on drop balls. If the referee stops play for any reason, he will give the ball back to the team that had it and opponents will have to be at least four metres away. However, the goalie will be given the ball if it happens in the penalty area. 

If the ball hits the referee and this either leads to a change in possession, a promising attack or a goal, play will be stopped and the referee will restart play as explained in the previous paragraph. 

Lastly, Villa said that attacking players have to be at least 1m away from defensive walls in free-kicks providing there are at least three players in the wall and goalkeepers must have at least one foot on the line while a penalty is taken.