Sources close to Blatter confirm the likely abolition of the game's most/only complicated rule - and most difficult to implement.

Defenders will be unable - when their team has the ball - to essentially reduce the pitch by 50% and, consequently, the game will become more open.

Linesmen (assistant referees) will be able to concentrate on goal lines, handballs, diving etc. The rule change may well make technology (advocated by many) unnecessary.

Green Cards MAY also be introduced (like hockey); this would signify an immediate 5 mins in the sin-bin and totally eradicate the constant moaning and arguing from players, unlike (say) rugby.

Good ideas which should improve the game and the way its played. But, extensive trials would be required; the offside rule has existed since 1925.

In addition, forwards (goalhanger types) must not be allowed to stand just in front of the goalkeeper. Some 'outside the penalty area' type rule?

However, the game is very slow to change. The only significant rule change in c20 years is that a goalkeeper may not pick up the ball when its back-passed from a team mate.

That simple and long overdue change saved a lot of time wasting.

Ralph wrote:
the game is very slow to change

Technology is needed badly....but Martha makes sense