The International Football Association Board, or IFAB, announced a few “revolutionary” (?) changes to the rules of the beautiful game, which will come into effect starting the 2016/2017 season. 

One of the most notable animosities in English football was that between Patrick Vieira and Roy Keane, a rivalry which culminated into a tunnel bust-up between the two midfielders, before kick-off for a match at Highbury, back in '05. Back then, referee Graham Poll could do nothing but stand between the two warring captains and ask them to calm down. As unlikely as it sounds, if Rooney and Arteta were to try anything of the sort next season, the referee would be able to send them off. Yes, back to the showers even before the game starts.

The new IFAB rules allow referees to send off a player or club staff (even managers), prior to kick-off. This extension of power means we may see many crucial and intense derbies next season played out as nine, eight or even seven-a-sides.

Kick-off rules themselves have been changed, and the new rules allow the ball to move in any direction from the start, rather than only move forward. Southampton tried to pull off an eccentric kick-off routine earlier this season with all ten outfield players positioned at the half-way line, during the whistle. While we won't necessary see crazy kick-off formations as such, we could expect to see teams kicking off with only one player instead of two, or even shots on goal at the very first whistle! 

A major improvement to the rules is the change in sending-off and cautioning for fouls committed inside the box. The “triple punishment” rule currently in effect means that if a player were to commit a foul in the box, he would:

1. Give away a  penalty
2. Be sent off
3. Be suspended (for 1 or 3 games)

This rule has been relaxed, and players who'll commit fouls to deny goal-scoring opportunities won't be automatically sent off, but only cautioned. This only applies to accidental fouls, where there is an attempt to play the ball. Deliberate fouls still hand you a red. That means holding, pushing, pulling, tackles with no intent of playing the ball, violent conduct and deliberate handballs and you're rightfully sent packing. 

The IFAB, which decides on alterations to the games' laws, announced the changes following an 18-month long review, led by former EPL ref David Elleray. Besides these, a player can now receive quick treatment for any injury on the pitch, instead of having to go off to the sidelines, thus ensuring the team aren't a man down for the next few moments.

IFAB have also approved the use of video technology, on a two-year trial period, for the following situations: if a goal has been scored, red cards, penalty decisions and mistaken identity. 

The Italian Football Federation will be trialling the new video replay technology, the results of which will stay private at first, and then move to a pilot phase for live matches by the 2017/2018 season. As Melanie C sang it, football will “never be the same again”, especially if referees can use replays to now distinguish between Oxlade-Chamberlain and Gibbs.

P.S. Take it home, Foxes!

Nibras loves blood and gore, and hopes to be surgeon because it's the only profession where he can legally cut people up. DM him gruesome photos @niibbzzz.