The Referees Department of the Football Federation has announced the implementation of the amended Laws of the Game, effective from July 1st.
Like the 110 other member associations of FIFA, Madagascar will apply the Laws of the Game as amended by the international refereeing body, the International Football Association Board (IFAB), starting July 1st.
These modified laws have already been in effect at the World Cup since the competition kicked off on June 11. The head of the Referees Department within the federation, Nirinjanahary Raharijaona, officially announced this FIFA recommendation regarding the implementation of the amended laws.
The final of the Pure Play Football League between Ajesaia and CFFA this Sunday will not be affected. These new laws, covering eleven articles, will be applied starting from the round of 16 of the National Cup on July 5.
Reducing wasted time
“The main objective is to avoid wasting time during the match,” the official emphasized. Among the amended laws is Article 3 concerning players: “The number of substitutes that can be used in friendly matches between ‘A’ national teams is increased to eight, or even eleven, provided that both teams agree and the referee is informed in advance; however, the restriction regarding three substitution opportunities continues to apply.” Regarding players in Law 3, there is “a ten-second time limit imposed on players leaving the field when substituted. If this limit is exceeded, the substitute must wait for one minute to pass…”
Modifications also include Law 5 concerning the referee: “Subject to certain exceptions, players receiving assessment, on-field treatment, or causing a stoppage in play due to an injury must leave the field and wait for one minute after play resumes before being allowed to re-enter.” In Article 12 regarding fouls and misconduct, “there is no caution for an offense intended to prevent a goal or deny an obvious goal-scoring opportunity if the advantage rule is applied and a goal is scored.”
Regarding the throw-in in Law 15: “A five-second visual countdown will be applied when a player or team delays the execution of the throw-in. If this time limit is exceeded, the ball is awarded to the opposing team.” And in Article 16 regarding the goal kick: “A five-second visual countdown will be applied when a player or team delays the execution of the goal kick. If this time limit is exceeded, a corner kick is awarded to the opposing team. The new eight-second rule requires goalkeepers to release the ball within their penalty area, failing which a corner kick will be awarded to the opposing team. The referee will perform a visual countdown, with hand raised, for the final five seconds.” These amended laws will be effective in all federal competitions throughout Madagascar.
Serge Rasanda
Captured & Published at: 2026-06-25 06:00:15 (Madagascar Local Time EAT)
Original Source: https://www.lexpress.mg/2026/06/football-lois-du-jeu-la-fifa-amende.html