IFAB Approves New Rules to Combat Time-Wasting and Expand VAR Scope
The International Football Association Board (IFAB) has approved a series of amendments to the Laws of the Game aimed at increasing effective playing time, combating time-wasting, and expanding the scope of Video Assistant Referee (VAR) intervention. These new regulations will officially come into effect from July 1st and will be applied during this summer's World Cup finals. This move is part of the legislative body's ongoing efforts to develop refereeing and accelerate the pace of matches.
Under the new rules, a five-second visual countdown will be implemented for throw-ins and goal kicks. This countdown will be activated if the referee determines there is a deliberate delay. Should the time limit be exceeded, the ball will be awarded to the opposing team for throw-ins, or a corner kick will be given for goal kicks. IFAB clarified, stating: "If the referee deems that the execution of a throw-in or kick takes too long or is deliberately delayed, a five-second visual countdown will be initiated" to serve as a warning before a decision is made. Additionally, a 10-second time limit has been set for substituted players to leave the field. If this rule is violated, the replacement player will not be allowed to enter until the next stoppage in play and after a minimum of one minute has passed.
The updated laws now require players receiving medical attention for more than eight seconds to remain off the field for 60 seconds, unless the injury resulted from a foul that warranted a card. In a related development, VAR intervention has expanded to include red cards issued due to an undeserved second yellow card or cases of mistaken identity. It will also cover the review of incorrectly awarded corner kicks, provided that the restart of play is not delayed. Pierluigi Collina, Chairman of the FIFA Referees Committee, commented on the ability to review corner kicks, stating: "On average, the attacking team needs ten to fifteen seconds to be ready for execution, and during these seconds it can be clarified whether the corner kick was awarded incorrectly" to ensure the accuracy of the decision.
These decisions were made during the Council's Annual General Meeting in Wales, inspired by the positive outcomes of the eight-second rule for goalkeepers. Concurrently, the Council approved consultations regarding instances of players leaving the field in protest of referee decisions and the development of measures to prevent players from covering their mouths during altercations. The updates also included allowing referees to use chest or head-mounted cameras and clarifying rules related to lost balls to ensure continuous possession for the team closest to retaining the ball.
