-
FIFA is planning new rules to speed up matches
-
48 countries will take part in the World Cup this summer
-
VAR’s role will be expanded
The International Football Association Board (IFAB) has updated a rule regarding off-field treatment based on feedback from Lionel Messi in 2024, just in time for the World Cup.
During its annual meeting, IFAB broadened VAR’s scope to include corner kicks and second yellow cards, along with other adjustments to quicken the pace of the game.
New rules include a “countdown principle” for throw-ins and goal kicks.
For the World Cup, video replays will now allow for reviews of red cards that stem from “a clearly incorrect second yellow card” and can overturn “a clearly incorrectly awarded corner kick,” as long as the review does not delay the game significantly.
VAR will also address cases of mistaken identity, where the referee penalizes the wrong player.
According to the updated off-field treatment rule, players who delay the game due to injury “will need to leave the field and stay off for one minute once play resumes.”
Major League Soccer (MLS) introduced a similar rule with a two-minute waiting period. In a match between Inter Miami and Montreal in 2024, Messi had to wait two minutes on the sidelines after being injured.
During that time, he expressed concerns, saying, “With this type of rule, we’re going in a bad direction.”
Injury stoppages in MLS decreased from an average of five to six per match to about 1.5.
“Finding a way to evolve the game while preserving the sport’s integrity is a delicate balance,” said Ali Curtis, head of sporting innovation for MLS.
IFAB also agreed to trial measures to address tactical injury delays by goalkeepers.
Another new rule from MLS was also adopted, stating that substituted players must leave the field within 10 seconds after the substitution board is shown. If they don’t, they can’t re-enter until the first stoppage after one minute of play.
Last year, IFAB approved a rule that awards a corner kick to the opposing team if a goalkeeper holds the ball for more than eight seconds. This will also apply to throw-ins and goal kicks.
If a referee thinks a team is taking too long, a five-second countdown will start. If play hasn’t resumed by then, the throw-in will go to the other team, and a goal kick will turn into a corner.
Players Covering Mouths
IFAB plans to discuss how to handle players who cover their mouths while talking to opponents during games.
Gianluca Prestianni of Benfica faced allegations of racially abusing Real Madrid‘s Vinícius Júnior while covering his mouth during a Champions League playoff. Prestianni denied the accusations and was suspended for one match by UEFA, missing the return match against Madrid.