IFAB considering most controversial football rule change yet ahead of 2026 World Cup and fans are furious

Lawmakers are considering one of the biggest shake-ups in football ahead of the 2026 World Cup in the USA.

When VAR was introduced in 2017, it heralded a huge advancement in the football rulebook but also one of the most controversial. Aimed at reducing contentious decisions, VAR has only added to the debate around offsides, handballs and penalties.

And now, football rule makers IFAB (International Football Association Board) could be set to significantly expand the decisions that VAR can get involved in, as well as introduce a new rule around penalties that is already being met with fury from supporters.

Referees were given more powers at the recent Club World Cup after Ifab rule changes. (Image: Getty)

According to the Times, IFAB are considering the expansion of VAR remits with discussions already taking place at senior levels of football. If they are signed off at the next IFAB annual meeting - when new rule changes are confirmed each year - then the new laws would come into effect from June 1 2026, in time for the World Cup in the USA, Mexico and Canada later that month.

Under the reported proposals, VAR would be able to intervene on more 'fact-based decisions' such as overturning corners where the ball has clearly been wrongly awarded. VAR could also be allowed to review second yellow cards, where technology is currently not allowed to be used.

Declan Rice was furious after he was sent off for blocking a free kick last season. (Image: Getty)

With second bookings resulting in a red card and therefore impacting the game on a wider scale, IFAB are said to be considering the merits of expanding VAR's remit to assist the on-field officials. For example, Arsenal were furious last season when Declan Rice was sent off against Brighton following a second booking for blocking a free kick but VAR were unable to offer a second look.

The report states that IFAB have been reluctant in the past to include second yellow cards within the scope of VAR and would want assurances that doing so would not delay matches further.

And there is another proposed change already causing concern among fans as IFAB are said to be considering a radical new rule that would see rebounds banned from penalty kicks. It is reported that the proposals would see the ball declared 'dead' if the goalkeeper saves a spot-kick, meaning the attacking team cannot then score on the follow-up. However it is added that the governing body are likely to want to see lengthy trials to such a significant change after discussions which may not be possible before the next AGM in March 2026.

However, this year IFAB did pass a proposal in time for this summer's FIFA Club World Cup that saw corner-kicks given if a goalkeeper held onto the ball for more than eight seconds.

Under reported proposals, rebounds would be banned from penalty kicks when a goalkeeper saves the ball. (Image: Getty)

Reacting on social media, fans were sceptical over the changes, as one said: "If they are reviewing the two yellow card dismissal, they should review both the yellow cards, not just the second yellow. As that is the most logical approach." Another fan added: "No follow up shot on pens? Why are they hell bent on ruining the game??"

While another user said: "Why don’t we just ban football altogether seeing as they are so intent on killing it?"