From Musa Muhammad Kutama, Calabar
The International Football Association Board (IFAB) has announced a series of significant amendments to the Laws of the Game, set to take effect from the 2026/27 season.
Our correspondent gathered that the 2026 FIFA World Cup, scheduled to kick off on June 11 across the United States, Mexico, and Canada, will be the first major tournament where the new rules will be introduced.
According to FIFA’s Chief Refereeing Officer, Pierluigi Collina, the amendments are aimed at combating discrimination, reducing time-wasting, increasing the tempo of matches, and enhancing the overall experience for players, officials, and fans.
The eight new rules include:
1. Players Covering Their Mouths
Players who deliberately cover their mouths with their hands, arms, or jerseys during confrontational situations will face a straight red card.
The measure is intended to discourage hidden unsporting behaviour and discriminatory remarks.
However, players will not be penalised for covering their mouths during casual conversations with teammates or opponents.
2. Players Leaving the Field in Protest
Any player who deliberately leaves the field of play to protest a refereeing decision will be shown a red card.
The sanction also applies to team officials or managers who encourage players to abandon a match.
Teams responsible for causing a match to be abandoned under such circumstances will forfeit the game.
3. Throw-In and Goal-Kick Countdowns
Referees will introduce a visible five-second countdown during throw-ins and goal-kicks to speed up restarts.
Failure to take a throw-in before the countdown expires will result in possession being awarded to the opposing team.
Similarly, if a goalkeeper delays a goal-kick beyond the allotted time, the opposition will be awarded a corner kick.
4. New Substitution Protocol
Substituted players must leave the pitch within 10 seconds of the substitution board being displayed and exit through the nearest boundary line.
Failure to comply will delay the entry of the replacement player, who will only be allowed onto the field at the first stoppage after one minute of play has elapsed, subject to the referee’s approval.
Exceptions will apply in cases involving injuries or security concerns.
5. Off-Field Medical Treatment
Any outfield player receiving medical attention on the field must remain off the pitch for one minute after play resumes.
The rule is designed to discourage players from feigning injuries to disrupt the flow of matches.
Exceptions include goalkeeper injuries, serious head injuries or concussions, collisions involving goalkeepers, and situations where the injured player is designated to take a penalty kick.
6. Expanded VAR Powers
The Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system will be granted additional authority to intervene in four new situations.
VAR will now be able to recommend reviews when a red card is wrongly issued, in cases of mistaken identity, when an incorrect corner-kick decision can be immediately corrected, and when an attacking player commits a foul on a defender shortly before a set-piece is taken.
7. Mandatory Hydration Breaks
A compulsory three-minute hydration break will be introduced in each half of every match.
The breaks are expected to occur around the 22nd minute of each half, although referees may adjust the timing to accommodate injuries or other stoppages.
The measure is intended to help players cope with fatigue and extreme weather conditions.
8. Goalkeeper Injury Restrictions
While a goalkeeper is receiving treatment on the pitch, outfield players from both teams will not be permitted to leave the field of play.
The rule aims to prevent teams from using injury stoppages as unofficial tactical timeouts with coaching staff.
FIFA believes the new regulations will improve discipline, enhance fairness, reduce unnecessary delays, and promote a more entertaining spectacle for football fans worldwide.
