The 2026 World Cup is about to begin, and with it, some new rules are being implemented. The International Football Association Board (IFAB) has announced a host of changes regarding the Video Assistant Referee (VAR). These changes not only address what happens during play but also what happens during confrontations between players during a stoppage.
VAR Changes
The first new rule is that VAR will be used to check every decision that results in a corner kick. However, under guidance from the IFAB, intervention is only allowed “if the decision can be changed immediately and without delaying the restart.”
VAR will also be utilized to examine situations where a player is assessed a second yellow card, resulting in a red card. According to the IFAB guidelines, VAR may review “an incorrect red card resulting from a clearly wrong second yellow card.”
New Rules for Player Conduct
Any player who covers their mouth “in a confrontational situation” with their hand, arm, or shirt will be shown a red card. This rule is an attempt to stop potential racist, homophobic, or other abusive language from being hidden from view.
Another new rule could see players or officials penalized if they leave the field of play to protest a referee’s decision. Under this rule, any player or official who “leaves the field of play in protest at a referee’s decision” can be assessed a red card.
Other Changes
In an effort to speed up games, and perhaps punish teams using delaying tactics late in matches, any player being substituted must leave the pitch within ten seconds of the substitution being announced on the referee’s board. If the time limit is exceeded, then the substituting player cannot enter the match until the first stoppage after one minute has elapsed.
The referee now has the discretion to instigate a five-second “visual” countdown prior to a throw-in or a goal kick. If a referee believes that a player is taking too long on a throw-in or goal kick, they can instigate a five-second countdown, at the end of which the team will be penalized.
Original reporting: All Sports Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
