As the World Cup starts on June 11th, 2026, the governing body responsible for making and amending the rules of the game, IFAB (The International Football Association Board), has recommended some adjustments in the game that they believe would cut down on time-wasting.
Let’s get straight into these new rules.
WHAT ARE THESE NEW CHANGES?
(1) THROW-IN COUNTDOWN [5 SECONDS]
Can referees now punish teams for wasting time on throw-ins?
Is there a timer for throw-ins in football?
Referees can now start a 5-second countdown on throw-ins. Delay too long, and possession is handed to the opposing team.
(2) TIME-LIMITED SUBSTITUTIONS [10 SECONDS]
How long does it take for a player to leave the field when substituted?
What is the punishment if a player does not leave the field when the timer is up?
Players being subbed off have 10 seconds to leave at the nearest point. If they stall, their replacement waits until the next stoppage after 1 minute, so the team plays a man down.
(3) GOAL-KICK COUNTDOWN [5 SECONDS]
How long does a goalkeeper have before he takes a goal kick?
What happens if a goalkeeper does not kick the ball on time?
Goalkeepers face a 5-second countdown on goal kicks. If they deliberately waste time, the opposition is awarded a corner.
(4) OFF-FIELD TREATMENT [1 MINUTE]
A player treated by medical staff must stay off the pitch for one minute of play. Exceptions are applied for goalkeepers, serious injuries, or when an opponent is booked or sent off for the foul.
(5) PLAYERS COVERING THEIR MOUTHS IN A HEATED EXCHANGE
A player who covers their mouth during a confrontation with an opponent may be shown a red card. It is worthwhile to note that friendly chats between players are not punished.
(6) CORNERS CAN BE CHECKED
VAR can now reverse an incorrectly awarded corner kick, but only if it is checked instantly without delaying the restart. The rule does not apply to goal kicks that should have been corners
(8) SECOND YELLOWS CAN NOW BE REVIEWED.
VAR can now review the red card when a player is sent off for two yellow cards. There are still no reviews for potential second yellow card offences that were missed.
(9) REFEREE BODY CAMERAS
Referees are now permitted to wear chest or head-mounted cameras. The footage offers a new on-field perspective and is controlled by the competition’s organizer.
(10) PENALTY DOUBLE TOUCH
If a penalty taker accidentally touches the ball twice, for example, slipping and clipping it with their standing foot, and scores, the kick is retaken. The automatic yellow card for the double touch has been removed.
(11) THE LAST-MAN FOUL EXCEPTION
If a defender commits a last-man foul, but the referee plays an advantage and a goal is scored anyway, the offender is no longer booked, since the foul did not actually deny the goal.
Which of these rules do you think would have more impact on the game? Comment below