FIFA Emphasizes Rule Changes to Prevent Time-Wasting in Upcoming World Cup

FIFA’s referees for the World Cup will strictly enforce new rules aimed at reducing time-wasting. These measures are part of the sport’s effort to maintain a fast-paced game, according to the governing body.

Among the critical changes is the mandate to issue red cards to players who cover their mouths during confrontational discussions. This was confirmed by Pierluigi Collina, FIFA’s chief refereeing officer and chair of the referees committee. He emphasized the goal to minimize disruptions in match tempo.

Additional measures include:

• Red cards can be issued if a player leaves the field in anger over a decision.
• To expedite play, a five-second countdown will be implemented for goal kicks and throw-ins, where failure to act results in possession awarded to the opposition.
• Players leaving the field as substitutes must do so within ten seconds unless exceptional conditions like injuries or security concerns arise.

Changes in the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) protocol aim to bolster decision accuracy. VAR will now address situations involving incorrect second yellow cards, mistaken identity in card issuance, and wrongly awarded corner kicks.

Players shielding their mouths during conversations will incur penalties if detected by referees as confrontational. Non-confrontational discussions where players cover their speech remain permissible.

VAR will also address offenses committed by attackers before the ball is in play during set pieces, affecting goals and penalties. Appropriate disciplinary actions will follow these detections.

Despite these changes to enhance match pacing, matches will not necessarily be shorter. FIFA will incorporate three-minute water breaks in each half of every game.