Following the controversial 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final, the International Football Association Board (IFAB) has approved new measures to enhance referee decision-making. The IFAB met in an extraordinary session in Vancouver on April 28, 2026, to address the issues raised by the match.
The new rules focus on improving the use of Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology and clarifying handball interpretations. Specifically, IFAB mandated that VAR reviews for potential red card incidents must be conducted on the field by the referee, and that deliberate handballs in the penalty area will result in a direct free kick, not a penalty, if the ball is not moving towards goal.
These changes aim to reduce ambiguity and ensure consistency in high-stakes matches. The AFCON final, held on February 8, 2025, saw a disputed penalty decision that sparked widespread debate among fans and officials.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino welcomed the changes, stating, 'These adjustments will help protect the integrity of the game and support match officials in making correct decisions.' The new rules will take effect from July 1, 2026.
