The International Football Association Board (IFAB) has approved a package of measures designed to accelerate the pace of football matches and curb time-wasting. These new rules will be implemented across all competitions, starting with the 2026 World Cup.
A key change extends the countdown principle to throw-ins and goal kicks. Referees can now initiate a five-second countdown for delays. Failure to restart play within this timeframe will result in possession being awarded to the opposing team.
Substituted players must now leave the pitch within 10 seconds of the signal. Failure to comply means the replacement must wait for a minute before entering play. Players requiring on-field injury assessments will also have to leave the pitch for one minute upon play resuming, aimed at preventing tactical injury delays.
VAR protocol updates allow for intervention in three additional scenarios: incorrect second yellow cards, mistaken identity, and wrongly awarded corner kicks.
Further clarifications include rule changes for non-dangerous, safely covered items worn by players and permission for referees to wear chest- or head-mounted cameras. The Laws of the Game will also address dropped balls and accidental double touches during penalty kicks.