New Rules to Curb Time-Wasting Tipped for Football
Football’s lawmakers are set to introduce significant new regulations aimed at speeding up the game, building on the stricter time-keeping methods seen at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
Key changes on the pitch will now be strictly enforced: substituted players must exit the field within 10 seconds of leaving the play. Failure to do so will result in the departing player's team playing a man down for at least one minute.
Goal kicks and throw-ins will also face a strict five-second countdown. If a team delays, the opposing side will be awarded a corner kick or throw-in as a direct consequence.
Expanded Video Assistant Referee (VAR) Jurisdiction
The use of technology to assist officials is also being expanded. VAR will now be empowered to review additional match incidents, including:
- The awarding of corner kicks.
- Offside positions leading to goals or key attacking moves.
- Second yellow cards that result in a player's send-off.
A Window into the Officials' World
In a move designed to bring fans closer to the action, match officials will wear eye-level video headsets. This technology will broadcast the referee's perspective during critical decisions, offering a unique view of the game.
FIFA Referees Committee Chairman Pierluigi Collina has emphasized the importance of reducing time-wasting, stating the changes are a natural progression from the added stoppage time successfully trialled at the 2022 World Cup.