The International Football Association Board (IFAB) has approved a sweeping package of rule changes aimed at increasing match tempo and clamping down on time-wasting, with the new measures set to take effect at the 2026 FIFA World Cup and across all competitions worldwide.
The decisions were ratified at IFAB’s 140th Annual General Meeting held in Hensol, Wales, marking one of the most significant updates to the Laws of the Game in recent years.
Countdown Rule Extended
One of the headline changes is the extension of the countdown principle to throw-ins and goal kicks.
Referees will now be empowered to initiate a visible five-second countdown if they believe a restart is being deliberately delayed.
Should a player fail to restart play before the countdown expires, possession will be awarded to the opposition.
A delayed throw-in will result in a throw-in given the other way, while time-wasting on a goal kick will be punished with a corner kick to the opposing team.
The move builds on last year’s amendment targeting goalkeepers who hold on to the ball for excessive periods, reinforcing IFAB’s determination to reduce stoppages and keep games flowing.
Stricter Substitution and Injury Rules
New substitution guidelines were also approved.
Once the substitution board is displayed or the referee signals a change, the player being replaced will have just 10 seconds to leave the pitch.
Failure to comply will not prevent the substitution, but the incoming player must wait until the next stoppage after at least one minute of play has elapsed before entering the field.
The substituted player, however, must exit immediately.
To curb tactical injury delays, players who receive on-field medical assessment or whose injury causes play to stop must leave the field once play resumes and remain off for at least one minute.
Expanded VAR Powers
IFAB also signed off on three additions to the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) protocol. VARs will now be permitted to intervene when there is clear evidence of:
A red card issued as a result of an incorrect second yellow card,
Mistaken identity in disciplinary decisions,
Corner kicks clearly awarded in error.
These adjustments aim to correct obvious officiating mistakes while maintaining the integrity and pace of the game.
Other Key Amendments
The next edition of the Laws of the Game, which comes into effect on July 1, will also allow players to wear non-dangerous items provided they are safely covered.
In addition, referees will be permitted to wear chest- or head-mounted cameras, potentially enhancing transparency and broadcast coverage.
Clarifications were also issued regarding dropped balls — possession will now be given to the team that would have retained it had play not been stopped — as well as accidental double touches during penalty kicks.
Furthermore, IFAB agreed to consult further on issues including players leaving the field in protest of refereeing decisions, team officials encouraging such actions, and players covering their mouths while confronting opponents during matches.
With these comprehensive reforms, IFAB has signaled a firm commitment to ensuring faster, fairer, and more transparent football ahead of the 2026 World Cup and beyond.
The post IFAB To Implement New Time Wasting Rule In 2026 World Cup first appeared on Africa Top Sports.
