Before the kick-off to the World Cup on Friday, FIFA has made changes to the rules that would be seen in the tournament. FIFA says these tweaks have been implemented to reduce time-wasting during matches and also to enhance the experience.
“These amendments are aimed at combating discrimination, ‌reducing time-wasting, improving the tempo of matches and enhancing the experience of players and fans,” FIFA said.
Here are the key rule changes explained:
- If a referee feels a player or goalkeeper is wasting time before taking a goal kick, they will start a visible five-second countdown with their hand. If the ball is not back in play before the countdown ends, the opposing team will be awarded a corner kick. The same rule will apply to throw-ins.
- Players being substituted must leave the field within 10 seconds. If they take longer, their replacement will not be allowed to enter until the next stoppage in play that occurs at least one minute later. The same rule applies to injured players. Any player who receives treatment on the pitch must leave the field and can only return at least one minute after play has restarted.
- Players will no longer be allowed to cover their mouths during confrontations with opponents. Deliberately doing so could result in a red card. The rule follows incidents such as the dispute between Gianluca Prestianni and Vinicius Junior. In that case, the Real Madrid forward accused his Benfica opponent of making racist comments, but because the player’s mouth was covered, officials were unable to prove what was said.
- VAR will have expanded powers and can now review clearly incorrect second yellow cards, cases of mistaken identity, wrongly awarded corner kicks, and attacking fouls that occur before free-kicks or corners if they directly impact goals, penalties, or disciplinary decisions.
- Players who walk off the pitch in protest against a referee’s decision could be shown a red card. Team officials who encourage players to do the same may also be sent off.
This rule change comes after the controversy during January’s Africa Cup of Nations final. Senegal’s players walked off the field after a penalty was awarded to hosts Morocco in the final minute. They returned 14 minutes later, Morocco missed the penalty, and Senegal eventually won in extra time. However, the Confederation of African Football later stripped Senegal of the title following a disciplinary appeal.
