By Mark Gleeson
FIFA has implemented multiple rule modifications for the World Cup just weeks before the tournament begins, with changes specifically targeting time-wasting behaviors and broadening VAR technology use.
“These amendments are aimed at combating discrimination, reducing time-wasting, improving the tempo of matches and enhancing the experience of players and fans,” FIFA explained.
Key changes include:
*Referees will conduct a visible five-second countdown with their hand when they determine a player or goalkeeper is delaying a goal kick. Should the ball remain out of play when the countdown concludes, the opposing team receives a corner kick. This same process applies to throw-ins.
*Substituted players have 10 seconds to exit the field. Players who exceed this timeframe force their replacement to wait until the next stoppage in play occurring at least one minute later. This rule extends to injured players, who must leave the pitch after receiving treatment and cannot return for at least one minute after play resumes.
*Players cannot cover their mouths during confrontations with opponents, and deliberate violations may result in ejection. This modification stems from controversies like the incident between Gianluca Prestianni and Vinicius Junior.
In February, the Real Madrid forward accused his Benfica opponent of making racist remarks, but because the player’s mouth was covered, no offence of racism could be proven.
*VAR technology can now examine clearly unjustified second yellow cards, cases of mistaken identity, wrongly awarded corners and attacking fouls before free-kicks or corners that directly affect goals, penalties or disciplinary outcomes.
*Players who exit the field to protest a referee’s call may face red card ejection, and team officials who encourage such protests may also receive dismissal.
This follows the controversy at January’s Africa Cup of Nations final where Senegal walked off in protest at a penalty awarded against them in the last minute against hosts Morocco.
Senegal returned after 14 minutes, saw Morocco miss the spot kick and went on to win the match in extra time, only to be subsequently stripped of the title by the Confederation of African Football’s disciplinary appeal board.
