German Football Rules: VAR Control and Red Card for Covering the Mouth
The German Football Association (DFB) has decided that the rule changes, which were marked as "optional" by the International Football Association Board (IFAB), will not be introduced in Germany. This includes the review of corner kick decisions by the Video Assistant Referee and the red card for covering the mouth with the hand.
Why there are no changes
The IFAB has given the competition organizers the freedom to decide whether to adopt the optional new rules or not. The Football Commission of the Bundesliga Group (formerly DFL) and the DFB Referee GmbH have now agreed to waive the following changes in the games of the Bundesliga and the 2. Bundesliga.
What comes next?
The Bundesliga and the 2. Bundesliga will not introduce the rule changes. Other new rules in the rulebook, such as the time limits for corner kicks, free kicks, and substitutions, will be compulsory in all classes and have already been presented on DFB.de.
Latest
The German national football team is currently in first place in the 2026 World Cup with 6 points, 2 wins, 0 draws, and 1 loss after three games. The last results were: Germany 1-1 Paraguay (2026-06-29). The team's current form is 3 wins, 1 draw, and 1 loss in the last 5 games. The next match is on September 24, 2026, against the Netherlands.
