IFAB approves rule changes to curb time-wasting, will be at World Cup

The International Football Association Board (IFAB) on Saturday approved a series of measures aimed at speeding up the pace of play and combating time wasting, with the changes set to take effect at the 2026 World Cup and all other tournaments.

The changes were agreed at IFAB’s 140th Annual General Meeting in Hensall, Wales.

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The extension of the countdown principle to throw-ins and goal kicks is one of the most important new rules.

If the referee determines that a throw-in or goal kick takes too long or is intentionally delayed, the referee may start a five-second visual countdown. If play is not restarted before the end of the countdown, possession will be handed over to the opponent: a throw-in will be awarded instead, and a delayed kick-off will be awarded a corner kick.

The move follows last year’s rules aimed at stopping goalkeepers from holding the ball too much.

Once the board is shown or the referee signals a substitution, the substituted player will have 10 seconds to leave the court.

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If they fail to do so, the replacement player will be forced to wait until the next time-out after one minute of play, although the substituted player must still leave immediately.

Players who are being evaluated for an on-field injury or whose injury results in a stoppage of play must leave the field for one minute after play resumes. The policy is designed to stop tactical injury delays.

The AGM approved three changes to the VAR (Video Assistant Referee) protocol. VAR will now be allowed to intervene in three further situations when there is clear evidence: a red card due to an incorrect second yellow card; a case of mistaken identity; and a clearly misjudged corner kick.

The next version of the competition rules, which will come into effect on July 1, will include the ability to wear non-hazardous items while safely covered, and referees will be allowed to wear chest or head-mounted cameras.

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Clarifications were also provided on dropped goals, where possession was given to the team that retained the ball without play stopping, and accidental double touches during penalties.

FIFA also agreed to consult on players leaving the pitch to protest a referee’s decision or team officials inciting such behavior, and players covering their mouths when facing opponents during matches.

This article originally appeared in USA TODAY: IFAB approves rule changes, will play in World Cup