Football’s lawmakers are preparing a series of significant rule changes aimed at improving match flow and reducing time-wasting, with several proposals potentially set to debut at this summer’s FIFA World Cup in North America.
The International Football Association Board (IFAB), the body responsible for determining the Laws of the Game, is considering the introduction of countdowns on throw-ins and goal kicks, a 10-second limit on substitutions, expanded VAR interventions, and continued trials of a revised offside law.
The measures form part of IFAB’s broader effort to ensure matches maintain tempo, fairness and entertainment value as football enters a new era shaped by technology and growing commercial demand.
Countdown Rules to Reduce Time-Wasting
Central to the proposed changes is a new system that would empower referees to enforce countdowns during restarts.
Following the positive response to the recently introduced eight-second limit for goalkeepers to release the ball from their hands, IFAB believes similar controls could be applied to other stoppages.
Under the proposal:
- Referees may impose a five-second countdown on players taking goal kicks and throw-ins if they believe the restart is being deliberately delayed.
- Visual or verbal signals would alert players when the countdown begins.
- Failure to restart play within the time limit could result in possession being awarded to the opposing team.
IFAB officials believe these measures would discourage tactical delays that often slow matches, particularly during high-pressure international tournaments.
Substitution Time Limits Introduced
Substitutions have also been identified as a major contributor to lost playing time.
Under the new proposal, players entering the field would be required to do so within 10 seconds of being summoned by the referee. If the substitute exceeds the time limit, officials could impose a temporary delay before allowing entry — potentially lasting up to one minute.
The rule is designed to prevent late-game tactics in which substitutions are intentionally slowed to protect narrow leads.
In addition, injured players could be required to remain off the pitch for a mandatory recovery period, reducing the incentive for teams to exaggerate injuries as a means of disrupting momentum.
Possible Implementation at the World Cup
When asked whether the proposed rules could be introduced at the World Cup in North America, IFAB Technical Director David Elleray confirmed that implementation is possible.
“They could be, yes,” Elleray said.
The comments suggest that football fans may witness one of the most tightly regulated tournaments in history, with referees given greater authority to manage time effectively.
Officials Target Tactical Stoppages
Speaking after IFAB’s annual business meeting in London, Football Association of Wales chief executive Noel Mooney, who chaired the session, emphasised the need to address unnecessary delays.
“We all get frustrated when we see a game stopped,” Mooney said.
“And we’re all suspicious if the game has been stopped for the right reasons or done for tactical reasons. So we really wanted to focus on that this year, and we’ve got a number of measures that I think will make the game much better.”
The comments reflect widespread concern among fans, players and broadcasters that excessive stoppages reduce the spectacle of elite football.
Expanded VAR Reviews Under Consideration
IFAB is also examining ways to improve fairness through targeted expansion of the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system.
Proposals include allowing reviews in cases where:
- A second yellow card leading to a red card is based on a clear factual error.
- The wrong team is penalised for an offence.
In addition, competitions may be permitted to review corner kick decisions, provided the check can be completed without delaying the restart of play.
While some football authorities remain cautious, FIFA’s refereeing leadership is strongly in favour of the idea.
Collina Backs Corner-Kick Reviews
FIFA referees’ chief Pierluigi Collina has emerged as a leading advocate for the introduction of corner-kick VAR checks.
Collina believes correcting obvious errors — such as awarding a corner instead of a goal kick — would significantly improve match accuracy with minimal disruption.
The proposal is expected to be tested at the World Cup, although full global adoption may depend on the outcome of the trials.
Offside Law Trials Continue
Another major area of experimentation remains the offside law, with IFAB continuing trials of the so-called “daylight offside” principle.
Under this approach:
- A player is considered onside if any part of the body that can legally score is level with the second-last defender.
- Only when the attacker has clear daylight between themselves and the defender would offside be given.
A modified version is also under review, where only the torso is considered when judging offside positions.
Wenger Supports Radical Change
Former Arsenal manager Arsène Wenger, now FIFA’s Chief of Global Football Development, has been a long-time advocate of reforming the offside law.
“For years offside has been about the most forward part of a player’s body,” Wenger said.
“To judge on the torso would be a change — and you have to decide what the torso is. We have to try the radical solution first and see if we need to come back from it.”
Supporters argue the change would encourage attacking football and reduce marginal VAR decisions measured in millimetres.
Technology and the 2026 World Cup
The proposed rule changes align with FIFA’s broader push to modernise football ahead of the 2026 World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Alongside countdown rules and offside trials, FIFA is also developing:
- AI-powered offside detection systems
- Semi-automated VAR improvements
- Digital player tracking technologies
The goal is to deliver faster, fairer and more transparent decision-making during matches.
A New Era of Match Control
If approved, the new regulations would mark one of the most significant shifts in match management in decades.
Supporters believe the reforms could:
- Reduce time-wasting
- Increase effective playing time
- Improve fairness
- Enhance viewing experience
Critics, however, warn that excessive intervention may disrupt football’s natural rhythm if not applied consistently.
What Comes Next
IFAB will continue testing the proposals across domestic leagues and international competitions before issuing final approvals.
With the World Cup approaching, football’s lawmakers appear determined to ensure the world’s biggest tournament delivers fast-paced, uninterrupted action worthy of a global audience.
Whether through countdown timers, refined VAR usage or a redefined offside law, one message from IFAB is clear — the future of football will place greater emphasis on speed, clarity and flow.
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