FIFA Unveils 4 New World Cup Rules to Combat Time-Wasting and Racism

FIFA is set to introduce four new rules in the upcoming World Cup. Failure to comply with the incoming regulations regarding goal kicks and throw-ins could completely alter the dynamic of matches.

Furthermore, rules regarding interactions with opponents on the pitch have been made stricter. While some of these upcoming World Cup regulations have been tested previously, their scope has now been significantly expanded.

Indications that new rules would be added to the upcoming FIFA World Cup have been circulating for a long time. The International Football Association Board (IFAB) has been applying them experimentally in various tournaments.

Finally, IFAB has finalized four specific regulations. Among these, two rules were already partially in place but have now seen their scope expanded, while another has been made mandatory.

Teams holding a lead in a football match are often seen killing time under various pretexts. FIFA is now putting a leash on this practice.

Regarding goal kicks, if a goalkeeper holds onto the ball for more than 8 seconds, they will lose the opportunity to take the kick as a penalty; instead, the goal kick will be overturned, and a corner kick will be awarded to the opposition. 

For throw-ins, if the ball is not released within the stipulated time, possession will switch to the opponent. To enforce this, the referee can initiate a five-second visual countdown if they choose.

FIFA has also cracked down on time-wasting during player substitutions. If a substitute fails to enter the pitch within 10 seconds of the referee's signal, they cannot enter the field until the next natural stoppage in play—even if play stops within a minute.

The player must wait for a minimum of one minute before entering. On the other hand, the player being replaced must exit the pitch immediately.

Additionally, FIFA has expanded the scope of Video Assistant Refereeing (VAR) for the upcoming World Cup. Previously, VAR was utilized only for highly sensitive situations such as goals, penalties, and direct red cards.

Now, referees can also seek VAR assistance when issuing a second yellow card. Furthermore, FIFA has introduced a rule allowing the use of this technology to ensure accurate corner kick decisions.

It was already evident during the Club World Cup that footballers would have to play amidst extreme heat in the United States.

Consequently, FIFA has now made two cooling breaks mandatory during matches. Although this rule existed previously, it was not compulsory.

However, a three-minute hydration break will now be mandated in the middle of each half. This hydration break will be enforced compulsorily, even if the match is played in cold or rainy weather.

The fourth and final addition for the upcoming World Cup is the ban on covering one's mouth while speaking. Footballers are frequently seen covering their mouths while interacting with opponents.

FIFA has introduced this rule to detect whether players are spreading discrimination through such actions. If a footballer engages in racist behavior while covering their mouth to speak, the referee can issue a straight red card.