By John Nzerue, JKNewsMedia Sports Reporter
TIME WASTING tactics will face tighter restrictions at the 2026 Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) World Cup after the football body introduced a series of rule changes aimed at keeping matches moving.
JKNewsMedia.com reports that FIFA referees chief Pierluigi Collina outlined six major changes, including measures targeting goalkeepers who go down injured while teammates gather for discussions near the touchline.
Under the new rule, if a goalkeeper requires treatment, players from both teams must remain in position or move to the centre circle.
“The goalkeeper has the right to be injured, but the players do not have the right to leave the field for a timeout,” Collina said.
FIFA has already discussed the changes with coaches from all 48 participating teams at a workshop.
Throw ins will also be subject to a five second countdown, with possession awarded to the opposition if the restart is delayed.
Goal kicks will carry the same five second limit. Teams that take too long will concede a corner kick.
Substituted players will have 10 seconds to leave the field at the nearest point. Failure to do so will prevent the replacement from entering for at least one minute, leaving the team temporarily reduced to 10 players.
Players who receive treatment from medical staff will remain off the field for 60 seconds before returning. Exceptions apply to goalkeepers, serious injuries and situations where an opponent receives a booking or dismissal.
FIFA has also warned players about covering their mouths during confrontational exchanges.
“If the conversation is friendly, no problem. If it’s confrontational, covering the mouth means you might be doing something very wrong and the sanction is a red card,” Collina said.
JKNewsMedia.com reports that the measure follows an incident during a Champions League match in February involving Benfica’s Gianluca Prestianni and Real Madrid’s Vinícius Jr.
Prestianni covered his mouth during an exchange with the Real Madrid forward. While racist abuse could not be proven, UEFA handed Prestianni a six match ban for homophobic conduct.
Changes have also been made to VAR procedures. Video assistant referees will have greater authority to intervene when an attacking team commits a clear foul before the ball is in play at set pieces, particularly if the incident leads to a goal, penalty or disciplinary sanction.
Collina said the changes are intended to reduce the lengthy stoppage periods seen at the 2022 World Cup.
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