IFAB to discuss law changes

Football's lawmakers, the International FA Board (IFAB), will hold their 123rd annual general meeting in Newcastle, County Down, Northern Ireland on Saturday 28 February.

Agenda confirmed
The agenda for the meeting has been confirmed, with a number of proposals to amend various Laws of the Game tabled for consideration. These include a proposed change to Law 3 (Number of Players) to increase the maximum number of substitutions in the event of extra time. An amendment is also proposed to Law 7 (Duration of the Match) to extend the maximum duration of the half-time interval.

Other matters
Among other matters submitted for discussion are a recent IFAB-endorsed experiment involving additional assistant referees and the instigation of 'sin bins'. The full agenda for the meeting, which will start at 9.30am local time, can be downloaded from the official FIFA website: fifa.com.

Guardian of football's laws
Founded in 1886, the IFAB is composed of The Football Association (England), the Scottish Football Association, the Football Association of Wales, the Irish Football Association (Northern Ireland) and FIFA, and has historically held the position as guardian of the Laws of the Game. Each British association has one vote apiece, while FIFA, which represents its 204 other member associations, has four. A three-quarter majority is required for any proposal to be passed.