By Francis Kobena Tandoh
World football governing body FIFA has approved several new rules ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The 2026 World Cup is scheduled to take place between June 11 and July 19, and the updates centers on substitutions, restarts, injury protocols, and the use of the Video Assistant Referee (VAR).
Among the key rules approved include
1. 10-second rule for substitutions
Players being substituted must leave the pitch within 10 seconds. Failure to do so may lead to disciplinary action or a quick restart to discourage time-wasting.
2. Five-second limit for restarts
For situations like throw-ins or goal kicks, players will have five seconds to restart play. If they delay, the ball will be awarded to the opposing team.
3. Expanded VAR powers
The Video Assistant Referee (VAR) will now be able to review:
Second yellow cards
Corner-kick decisions that lead to goals
if there is a clear refereeing error.
4. Advantage rule adjustment
If a referee plays advantage after a foul and a goal is scored, the offending player may avoid the automatic yellow card, depending on the situation.
Officials say the reforms are meant to speed up matches, reduce time-wasting tactics, and improve decision-making accuracy with technology.
The 2026 World Cup, to be hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, will also be historic because it will feature 48 teams for the first time, expanding from the previous 32-team format. Enditem
Source: Ghana Eye Report
Share Us
