IFAB: revision of Laws of the Game, changes to "triple punishment" approved in Cardiff on 05/03/2016

A revision of the Laws of the Game and changes to the "triple punishment" (expulsion, penalty and suspension) rule have been approved by the 130^th Annual General Meeting of the International Football Association Board, meeting in Cardiff (Wales) on 05/03/2016.

In addition to "video assistance for match officials", the IFAB unanimously approved a revision of the Laws of the Game, via an 18-month project led by the technical sub-committee of the IFAB under the leadership of former Premier League referee, David Elleray (ENG). The 94 modifications are presented as a "unique" opportunity to correct anomalies and inconsistencies, stated FIFA on 05/03/2016. The number of words has been halved, and neutral language is used throughout the document.

The IFAB also decided to change the "triple punishment" rule: expulsion, penalty and suspension following the denial of an obvious goalscoring opportunity in the penalty area. After much debate, the IFAB unanimously approved new wording of Law 12 submitted by UEFA, and believes that this measure should apply provisionally for a period of two…