The use of Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology will be expanded to include corner kicks and second yellow cards during next summer’s World Cup finals.
New measures will also be introduced to address the loss of match rhythm and reduce time-wasting, including a countdown system for goal kicks, throw-ins, and substitutions.
The International Football Association Board (IFAB) approved these proposals at its annual meeting at Hensall Castle in Wales on Saturday. These changes will come into effect on June 1st and will be implemented in the 2026-27 season.
Key Amendments and Decisions:
Combating Mouth Covering: The IFAB agreed to conduct further trials on offside and to consult on measures to prevent players from covering their mouths when facing opponents, following the incident in which Gianluca Brestiani was accused of racially abusing Vinicius Junior while covering his mouth with his shirt.
New Offside Law: Arsène Wenger’s proposal to amend the offside law will finally be tested in the Canadian A-League when its new season kicks off in April.
Review of Corner Kicks and Cautions: FIFA strongly supports expanding VAR’s powers to correct clearly wrong decisions. While the Premier League may not implement a review of corner kicks, Serie A is expected to adopt the measure. VAR will also be allowed to intervene in cases of wrongful second yellow cards, or if the wrong team is cautioned (e.g., for handball).
Procedures for Controlling the Pace of the Match:
Countdown: Following the successful implementation of the eight-second rule for goalkeepers, a countdown will be implemented for goal kicks and throw-ins. If the countdown is delayed, possession will be awarded to the opposing team (a goal kick will be converted into a corner, or a throw-in to the opposing team).
Substitutions: A substituted player must leave the field within 10 seconds. If they fail to do so, their replacement will not be able to enter immediately, and their team will play with a numerical disadvantage for at least 60 seconds until the next ball goes out of play.
Injury treatment: Injured players receiving treatment off the field will have to remain there for a full minute (double the current duration in the English Premier League), with exceptions in certain cases such as an opponent receiving a yellow or red card.
