World football governing body, FIFA, has approved significant changes to the Laws of the Game aimed at reducing time-wasting, improving fairness and ensuring a smoother flow of matches ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
The decision was confirmed after the 140th annual meeting of the International Football Association Board held in Wales.
The amendments form part of efforts to reduce controversies surrounding refereeing decisions, ensure consistency in the application of rules across competitions and minimise unnecessary stoppages during matches.
The new regulations are expected to take effect before the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico and will feature an expanded format of 48 teams.
Player Substitutions
Under the new rule, players being substituted must leave the pitch within 10 seconds. Failure to do so will attract a penalty as the incoming replacement will be required to wait one minute before entering the field.
The move is aimed at discouraging players who deliberately delay substitutions when their teams are protecting narrow leads late in games.
Such tactics have often caused frustration among opponents and sometimes triggered confrontations on the pitch.
Five-second Limit For Throw-ins, Goal Kicks
FIFA has also introduced a countdown rule for throw-ins and goal kicks to prevent players from deliberately slowing down the game.
Under the new regulation, players will have five seconds to restart play during throw-ins and goal kicks.
If the player fails to take the throw-in within the allotted time, possession will be awarded to the opposing team.
Football authorities say the measure is designed to discourage deliberate time-wasting and maintain the tempo of matches.
Injured Players To Receive Treatment off the pitch
Another major amendment affects how injured players receive medical attention during matches.
According to the new rule, players who require treatment for injuries must leave the field and remain off the pitch for at least one minute before returning to play.
The rule was previously tested during FIFA’s trial competitions, including the Arab Cup.
Chairman of FIFA referees, Pierluigi Collina, explained that the rule is intended to reduce time-wasting and improve the overall flow of the game.
VAR Expanded To Review More Decisions
The role of the Video Assistant Referee will also be expanded under the new rules.
Previously, VAR intervention was mainly limited to reviewing direct red card incidents, goals, penalties and mistaken identity cases.
However, the updated rules will now allow VAR to review second yellow card offences and incorrect corner kick decisions.
Referees will be permitted to review clear errors related to such incidents, provided the review is conducted immediately and does not disrupt the flow of the match.
The IFAB emphasised that VAR involvement must remain swift and limited to obvious mistakes.
Football authorities believe the new rules will help create a more transparent and faster-paced game while reducing disputes involving refereeing decisions.
The changes are also expected to improve consistency in officiating across competitions worldwide.
With the 2026 FIFA World Cup set to feature the largest number of teams in the tournament’s history, officials say the new regulations will help ensure smoother match management during the competition.
