The International Football Association Board (IFAB) has approved a series of rule changes aimed at increasing match tempo and reducing time-wasting ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The decisions were taken at IFAB’s 140th Annual General Meeting in Hensol, Wales, chaired by Mike Jones, President of the Football Association of Wales.
The changes will apply at the 2026 World Cup and across all competitions under the Laws of the Game.
According to IFAB, the measures respond to calls from stakeholders, including its advisory panels, for practical steps to protect effective playing time.
Throw-ins and goal kicks
Referees will apply a five-second visual countdown where a throw-in or goal kick is deemed to be taking too long or deliberately delayed.
If the ball is not back in play at the end of the countdown, possession will be awarded to the opposing team. A delayed goal kick will result in a corner kick.
Time-limited substitutions
Substituted players must leave the field within 10 seconds of the substitution board being displayed or, where no board is used, upon the referee’s signal.
If a player fails to exit within that period, the substitute may only enter at the first stoppage after one minute of running time has elapsed.
Off-field treatment
Where a player receives on-field treatment for an injury that stops play, the player must leave the field and remain off for one minute once play restarts.
VAR protocol updates
IFAB approved three adjustments to the video assistant referee (VAR) protocol.
VAR will now be permitted to review red cards arising from a clearly incorrect second yellow card.
It may also intervene in cases of mistaken identity, where the wrong player is penalised with a red or yellow card.
In addition, competitions may allow VAR to review a clearly incorrectly awarded corner kick, provided the review can be completed immediately without delaying the restart.
The board further agreed to conduct trials addressing goalkeeper tactical injury delays in a bid to deter the practice.
The measures are part of broader efforts to modernise the game while maintaining its flow and integrity ahead of the 2026 tournament.
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