The World Cup has introduced a raft of new rules, designed to reduce time-wasting and expand the use of Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology.

New Rules

According to FIFA, the new rules are aimed at combating discrimination, reducing time-wasting, improving the tempo of matches, and enhancing the experience of players and fans.

Some of the key changes include a visible five-second countdown for goal kicks and throw-ins, with a corner kick awarded to the opposing team if the ball is not put back into play before the countdown expires.

Players who are being substituted will have 10 seconds to leave the field, and if they fail to do so, the substitute must wait until the first stoppage in play occurring at least one minute later before entering.

Additionally, players may not cover their mouths during confrontations with opponents, and if one does so deliberately, they may be sent off.

VAR can now review 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.

A player who leaves the field in protest at a referee’s decision may receive a red card, and team officials who encourage players to leave the field in protest against a referee’s decision may also be sent off.

Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.