FIFA has tested three experimental changes to football’s Laws of the Game at the inaugural Under-15 World Cup in Azerbaijan, in a move designed to increase attacking play, give young players more time on the ball and improve their technical development.
The governing body introduced the changes during the tournament last month, allowing unlimited substitutions, replacing throw-ins with kick-ins and modifying the offside rule. The experiment is intended to examine whether a different approach to youth football can create more opportunities for players to develop through competitive matches.
The Under-15 competition brought together 189 teams representing the six continental football confederations: Europe, Africa, Asia, North and Central America and the Caribbean, South America, and Oceania. Spain eventually claimed the title after beating the Czech Republic 3-0 in the final.
The tournament also produced impressive scoring figures, with 4,505 goals recorded across 932 matches. That represented an average of 4.83 goals per game, underlining the attacking nature of the competition played under the experimental format.
Three changes to the Laws of the Game
One of FIFA’s most significant adjustments was the introduction of unlimited substitutions. Unlike the conventional system, the revised approach allowed coaches to make changes without being restricted by the usual substitution limit.
The measure was designed to give more players opportunities to participate, while allowing coaches greater flexibility to rotate their teams and manage the physical demands placed on young footballers.
The second change concerned how play resumes when the ball goes out over the touchline. FIFA replaced traditional throw-ins with kick-ins, meaning players restart the game by passing the ball from the ground with their feet.
The adjustment is intended to reduce interruptions and keep matches moving at a faster pace. It also gives players more opportunities to practise passing, ball control and decision-making during competitive situations.
The third experiment involved the offside rule. Under the revised approach, a player would only be penalised for an offside position after entering a designated attacking zone, beginning 14 metres from the opposition goal.
This differs from the traditional interpretation of the law, which applies across the length of the pitch. FIFA’s trial therefore sought to create more attacking opportunities by changing the area in which the offside rule is enforced.
Wenger explains FIFA’s development strategy
Arsène Wenger, the former Arsenal manager who heads FIFA’s global football development department, outlined the thinking behind the changes.
He said: “At this age, the most important thing is to play. Young players need real matches, different opponents, and diverse football experiences in order to develop.”
Wenger also pointed to the unequal opportunities available to talented young players around the world. The tournament, he explained, was intended to bring together players from different countries, allowing them to compete against unfamiliar opponents and gain valuable experience.
He stressed that identifying promising footballers and providing them with proper training were only part of the development process. Young talents also need suitable conditions and regular opportunities to play if they are to reach their full potential.
How the Under-15 World Cup was organised
The competition featured players born in 2011 and 2012, with teams playing an eight-a-side format rather than the traditional 11-player system.
Matches consisted of two 20-minute halves and were staged on smaller pitches measuring 68 metres in length and 47 metres in width. The goals, however, retained their standard dimensions.
Each squad was made up of 14 players, supported by six members of the technical and administrative staff.
The tournament began with a league-based qualifying stage before moving into a championship phase divided into six different levels. Each level produced its own winner.
FIFA said the changes were intended to promote a different approach to youth football by increasing the pace of matches and the number of times players become involved in the action.
The governing body believes that smaller teams, unlimited substitutions, kick-ins and shorter matches can give young footballers more chances to participate and develop their individual abilities.
The experiment forms part of FIFA’s efforts to explore alternative formats for youth competitions, with greater emphasis on active participation, technical development and exposure to different opponents.
