11 changes to the laws of football are set to be implemented at next year’s World Cup in the USA, Canada and Mexico, where the format will be extended to accommodate 48 teams. The new laws have been introduced primarily to quicken the pace of games, make officiating more accurate and also stamp out misconduct on the field.
Pierluigi Collina, head of referees at FIFA, is behind 11 new amendments which are being implemented for the tournament next year. Many of them are also set to be rolled out in domestic leagues including the Premier League, English Football League and Scottish Premiership next season.
The game is likely to speed up by removing the current system where goalkeepers kick and throw the ball out of their feet at a snail’s pace, especially at goal-kicks and throw-ins. Referees can now impose a five-second count at throw-ins and goal-kicks, with possession given to the opposition if this rule is broken (goal-kicks becoming corners, throw-ins to be awarded to the opponents).
Another aspect of the game where FIFA is aiming to quicken up is substitution time, with substitutes expected to be removed from the pitch within 10 seconds; otherwise they can only re- enter the field of play at the next stoppage. Medical treatment will be for a minimum of one minute for any outfield player receiving it, and referees will be allowed to only give substitutions at specific points of the game.
There will be no concessions for goalkeepers, and if they require treatment they can also only be replaced on the next stoppage (goalkeepers may well be allowed for serious injuries and in certain areas like head injuries). “Goalkeepers tactical time out” will also be prohibited. Referees are expected to issue cards to players who continue to surround the goalkeeper when treatment is being provided and those outside of the perimeter.
VAR is being used to look at certain other controversial decisions and Fifa will be implementing a system where decisions over which corner taken could be given could be reviewed, second yellow card offenses can also be looked at (as can players who fall under VAR reviews where the ball is in play for an attacking offense) and second yellow cards will be used for offensive player actions when the player is masking his face by covering his mouth during confrontation or argument (they may be looking for language that could be perceived as offensive and players would be likely to be dismissed if they continue). Also, players would be red-carded for exiting the field of play during an argument in order to appeal to the referee for a decision.
The measures should prevent the game being delayed, and it’s Collina’s firm belief that these new rules will go some way in making football cleaner on the field and more watchable for the fans. They should bring forward the speed of the game. With the 2026 World Cup approaching, the football-loving world can expect some different viewing, and it will be interesting to see whether any of the measures have a long-term effect on the game.
