The International Football Association Board (IFAB) is set to convene in Scotland for its upcoming 138th Annual General Meeting (AGM) this weekend.

Key stakeholders from the world of football will gather at Cameron House on the banks of Loch Lomond to consider various matters discussed at the recent Annual Business Meeting (ABM) of the IFAB, in particular the progress on the approved trials aiming to improve participant behaviour.  

Representatives from FIFA and the four British football associations will be in attendance to exchange ideas, propose changes, and make crucial decisions that will impact the game globally.

Potential changes and clarifications for the Laws of the Game 2024/25 will also be discussed. These will include a possible amendment to Law 12 (Fouls and Misconduct) whereby handball offences, for which penalties are awarded, would be sanctioned using the same philosophy as for fouls, and to Law 14 (The Penalty Kick), regarding player encroachment and the position of the ball on the penalty mark.

The AGM will also deal with a wide variety of administrative and business matters and receive updates on various other IFAB projects.

What is IFAB?

Founded in 1886, the IFAB consists of representatives from each of the four UK football associations and FIFA and holds jurisdiction over the rules of football.

Each of the UK associations holds one vote to FIFA’s four, with six votes required to pass any proposed amendment to the laws of the game. Actual changes to the Laws can only be introduced during the AGM.  

The general secretary of IFAB sets the agenda for each AGM based on input from the board’s Technical Sub Committees (TSCs). Proposed amendments to the laws of the game are often trialled at upcoming international competitions, including FIFA World Cups at youth level.

The IFAB remains one of the most influential bodies in global football, serving as the independent guardian of the laws of the game as the sport continues to modernise.