IFAB Approves Law Changes to Combat Time-Wasting

G. E (Elbotola)

01 April 2026at17:00

The International Football Association Board (IFAB) has officially announced a series of new amendments to the Laws of the Game, aimed at curbing time-wasting. These new rules will come into effect from July 1st, applying to the upcoming football season and the 2026 FIFA World Cup. IFAB's objective is to accelerate the pace of matches by implementing strict time limits for restarting play after various stoppages.

Among the key changes is the introduction of a five-second countdown for taking throw-ins and goal kicks. Additionally, a maximum of ten seconds has been set for completing player substitutions.

Should a player exceed the allotted time for a throw-in, possession will be transferred to the opposing team. Delays in taking a goal kick will automatically result in a corner kick for the opponent. The new laws also stipulate that a player receiving treatment must remain off the field for one minute of actual playing time to prevent deliberate match disruption.

IFAB has also expanded the scope of Video Assistant Referee (VAR) intervention to review red cards resulting from clearly incorrect second yellow cards, as well as to address cases of mistaken identity when disciplinary sanctions are issued.

Under the new rules, if a substituted player takes more than ten seconds to leave the field of play, their replacement will have to wait until the next stoppage in play, provided they have spent at least a full minute off the field before being allowed to enter.

In a related development, IFAB has authorized the use of modern technologies to assist referees in making decisions regarding automated offside calls and determining if the ball has crossed the goal line. Furthermore, there are plans to implement a mandatory protocol by July 2027, restricting discussions with the referee to team captains only across all competitions.

These measures are designed to enhance fairness in the game and develop mechanisms for managing football matches, aligning with technological advancements in stadiums worldwide.

Q&A

What new law changes has IFAB approved to combat time-wasting?

IFAB has approved new law changes to combat time-wasting, including a five-second limit for throw-ins and goal kicks, and a ten-second maximum for substitutions. Players needing treatment must also remain off the field for a specific duration.

How will IFAB's new rules affect match play and referee decisions?

IFAB's new rules will significantly affect match play by speeding up restarts and penalizing delays, such as loss of possession for slow throw-ins. VAR's scope expands to review certain red cards and mistaken identity cases, enhancing fairness.

When will IFAB's new football laws come into effect and what future changes are planned?

IFAB's new football laws will come into effect from July 1st for the upcoming season and the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Future plans include mandatory protocols by a specific year to restrict discussions with referees to team captains only.

FIFA World Cup