Football's lawmakers, the International Football Association Board (IFAB), have announced a new set of rules aimed at reducing time wasting and enhancing the role of VAR. The changes will take effect from July 1, and will also be implemented at the 2026 World Cup in the USA, Mexico, and Canada.
Under the new regulations, referees will have the power to initiate a five-second countdown for throw-ins and goal kicks if they suspect a player is deliberately delaying the restart. If the ball is not put back into play within that time, the throw-in will be awarded to the opposing team, while a delayed goal kick will result in a corner for the opposition. This follows the introduction of an eight-second rule for goalkeepers, which has been deemed relatively successful.
Substituted players will now have ten seconds to leave the pitch after the substitution board is shown. Failure to do so will mean the substitute cannot enter until the next stoppage in play, at least one minute after the restart. Additionally, any player receiving on-field treatment that stops play must leave the field for one minute once play resumes.
VAR's powers have been expanded to allow intervention in cases where a red card resulted from an incorrect second yellow card, or where a corner was wrongly awarded. The changes have drawn mixed reactions, with some fans concerned about further interruptions to the game.
Meanwhile, former Arsenal manager Arsène Wenger has proposed a 'daylight' offside rule, which would only penalise an attacker if there is a visible gap between them and the last defender. This change is being trialled in Canada, but no timeline has been set for wider implementation.
