Fifa introduces major rule changes for next world cup
Football’s law-making body has approved a significant set of rule changes for the upcoming FIFA World Cup. The new rules will be implemented for the first time at the tournament in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. These changes aim to improve game flow, fairness, and transparency. Several aspects of substitutions, time-wasting, and referee authority are affected.
Match highlights
- The International Football Association Board has introduced a 5-second countdown for throw-ins and goal kicks to combat time-wasting.
- Substituted players must leave the field within 10 seconds using the nearest boundary, or their replacement will be delayed.
- Injured players must stay off the pitch for one minute after play restarts, with exceptions for goalkeepers and serious injuries.
- VAR powers have been expanded to cover incorrect cards, mistaken identity, and certain set-piece situations.
- New red card rules target mouth-covering confrontations and walk-off protests, and referee body cameras may be used in some competitions.
