VAR expanded, new football rules to curb time wasting approved in time for 2026 World Cup
Video assistant referee’s role to now include second bookings and corners; countdown for throw-ins, goal kicks brought in to prevent delays
The International Football Association Board (IFAB) approved on Saturday a package of measures aimed at speeding up the pace of matches and cracking down on time wasting, with the changes set to come into force at the 2026 World Cup and across all other competitions.
The changes were agreed at IFAB’s 140th Annual General Meeting in Hensol, Wales.
The extension of the countdown principle to throw-ins and goal kicks is one of the most significant new rules.
If the referee considers that a throw-in or goal kick is taking too long or is being deliberately delayed, referees can initiate a five-second visual countdown. Failure to restart play before the countdown expires will see possession handed to the opposition: throw-ins awarded the other way, and delayed goal kicks punished with a corner.
The move extended last year’s rule designed to discourage goalkeepers from holding on to the ball excessively.
Players being substituted will have 10 seconds to leave the pitch once the board is shown or the referee signals the change.