The International Football Association Board (IFAB) has announced significant changes to the rules of soccer, set to be implemented at the 2026 World Cup, which will be held in the United States, Mexico, and Canada. These changes aim to enhance fair play, reduce discrimination, and improve the overall experience for players and fans.
Player Conduct and Discrimination
A key rule change involves players covering their mouths during confrontations. If a player covers their mouth with their hand, arm, or shirt in a confrontational situation, they will receive a red card. This rule follows an incident involving Benfica’s Gianluca Prestianni, who was accused of making discriminatory remarks while covering his mouth. However, players engaging in friendly conversations will not be penalized.
Protests and Match Abandonment
Players and team officials will face stricter penalties for leaving the field to protest referee decisions. A red card will be issued to those who leave the field in protest, and teams causing a match to be abandoned will forfeit the match. This rule was influenced by an incident in the Africa Cup of Nations final involving Senegal.
Time Management and Game Flow
To address time-wasting, referees will now use a visual five-second countdown for throw-ins and goal-kicks. If the ball is not in play by the end of the countdown, the opposing team will be awarded a throw-in or corner kick, respectively. Additionally, players have 10 seconds to leave the field for substitutions, with exceptions for injuries and safety concerns.
Medical Treatment and VAR Protocols
Players receiving medical treatment on the field must leave for one minute after play resumes, except in specific cases such as severe injuries or when a player is set to take a penalty. The Video Assistant Referee (VAR) protocol has also been updated to allow intervention in cases of mistaken identity, incorrect card issuance, and fouls before play restarts.
Hydration Breaks and Goalkeeper Injuries
Each match will now include a three-minute hydration break in each half, around the 22nd minute, with some flexibility for timing. During goalkeeper injuries, players are not allowed to leave the field for tactical discussions with coaches.
Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
