IFAB approves new rules to curb time-wasting, will be in effect at 2026 World Cup
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The official ball of the 2026 World Cup, where new rules to crack down on time-wasting will be in effect after the International Football Association Board approved of them on Feb 28.
PHOTO: REUTERS
HENSOL – The International Football Association Board (IFAB) approved on Feb 28 a package of measures aimed at speeding up the pace of matches and cracking down on time-wasting, with the changes set to come into force at the 2026 World Cup and across all other competitions.
The changes were agreed at IFAB’s 140th annual general meeting (AGM) in Hensol, Wales.
The extension of the countdown principle to throw-ins and goal kicks is one of the significant new rules.
If referees consider that a throw-in or goal kick is taking too long or being deliberately delayed, they can initiate a five-second visual countdown.
Failure to restart play before the countdown expires will see possession handed to the opposition – throw-ins awarded the other way, and delayed goal kicks punished with a corner.
The move extends an existing rule designed to discourage goalkeepers from holding on to the ball excessively.
Players being substituted will have 10 seconds to leave the pitch once the board is shown or after the referee signals for the change.
If they fail to do so, the replacement will be forced to wait until the next stoppage after one minute of play has elapsed, although the substituted player must still leave immediately.
Players receiving on-field injury assessment or whose injury causes play to stop will have to leave the pitch once play resumes and remain off for one minute. This policy is designed to discourage tactical injury delays.
In a statement, IFAB said the new changes “marked a decisive and forward-looking development in ensuring that football remains fast, fair and dynamic”.
The AGM also signed off on three changes to the video assistant referee (VAR) protocol.
When clear evidence exists, VAR will now be allowed to intervene in three additional situations – red cards resulting from an incorrect second yellow card, cases of mistaken identity, and corner kicks that have been awarded in error.
The next edition of IFAB’s Laws Of The Game rule book – effective from July 1 – will include that non-dangerous items may be worn if safely covered, and referees will be permitted to have cameras mounted on their heads and chests.
There was also clarification on dropped balls, with possession given to the team who would have retained the ball had play not stopped, as well as accidental double touches during penalty kicks.
The IFAB also agreed on consultation around players leaving the field as an act of protest against a referee's decision or team officials instigating such action, and players covering their mouths when confronting opponents during matches. REUTERS
