Countdowns, banning timeouts and VAR changes: New laws for World Cup announced
SkimNews Take
The new rules, by limiting player agency in managing game flow, centralize control with officials and VAR, potentially shifting the strategic emphasis from in-game adaptations to pre-match planning.
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- IFAB approved a suite of new rule changes for the 2026 World Cup, expanding VAR powers, allowing 10‑second substitution windows, and banning tactical timeouts.
- IFAB will issue red cards for players who cover their mouth during confrontations or who walk off the pitch in protest, while exempting friendly conversations.
- IFAB gave VAR authority to correct wrongly‑awarded second yellow cards, mistaken‑identity calls, and incorrect corner kicks, and to intervene on fouls before a set‑piece restart.
- FIFA’s chief refereeing officer Pierluigi Collina warned referees will be proactive in preventing teams from exploiting injuries, effectively ending tactical timeouts.
- IFAB introduced five‑second countdowns for throw‑ins and goal‑kicks and a mandatory one‑minute off‑field treatment period after injuries.
Why it matters: The 48 World Cup teams lose a legal loophole for time‑wasting, while referees gain expanded VAR authority and the power to issue red cards for protests, resulting in smoother matches and more reliable broadcast schedules.
