FIFA has announced a raft of regulatory changes ahead of the next World Cup cycle, with a clear emphasis on reducing time-wasting, tackling discrimination and enhancing the flow and integrity of matches.
“This amendment aims to combat discrimination, reduce time-wasting, increase match tempo, and improve the experience of players and supporters,” according to FIFA.
Reuters cited that under the revised framework, goalkeepers or outfield players found to be deliberately delaying goal-kicks will be subject to a visible five-second countdown initiated by the referee using hand signals.
Should the ball not be put into play within that period, a corner kick will be awarded to the opposition. The same sanction will apply to excessive delays during throw-ins.
In another measure aimed at improving match continuity, players being substituted will be required to leave the field within 10 seconds. Failure to comply will result in the incoming substitute being made to wait until the next natural stoppage in play, which must occur at least one minute later before entry is permitted.
The same principle will also apply to injured players. Those receiving treatment on the pitch must exit the field of play and will only be allowed to return after a minimum of one minute following the restart of play.
FIFA has also moved to tighten regulations around on-field disputes, introducing a prohibition on players covering their mouths during confrontations with opponents. Any deliberate attempt to do so may now result in a red card, a measure introduced to improve transparency in incidents involving alleged discriminatory remarks.
The reforms follow previous controversies, including an incident involving Gianluca Prestianni and Vinícius Júnior, where allegations of racial abuse could not be substantiated due to players covering their mouths during exchanges.
VAR will also be granted expanded authority under the new laws. Match officials will be permitted to review second yellow cards deemed clearly incorrect, cases of mistaken identity, wrongly awarded corner kicks, and incidents of fouls occurring immediately before set-pieces that directly influence goals, penalties or disciplinary outcomes.
In addition, players who leave the field of play in protest at refereeing decisions may now be shown a red card, while team officials who encourage such actions will also face dismissal.
The measure follows a controversial incident at the Africa Cup of Nations final in January, when Senegal briefly walked off in protest at a late penalty decision against hosts Morocco.
Senegal returned to the pitch after 14 minutes, during which Morocco missed the penalty before ultimately losing in extra time. However, Senegal was later stripped of the title by the Confederation of African Football’s disciplinary appeals committee.
The new regulations mark one of FIFA’s most comprehensive attempts in recent years to accelerate match tempo, enhance officiating clarity and clamp down on tactical disruption. - June 11, 2026
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