FIFA has announced a series of new refereeing directives and competition regulations less than two weeks before the start of the FIFA World Cup, introducing measures designed to increase the tempo of matches and strengthen officiating decisions during the tournament.
The changes include stricter action against time-wasting, expanded powers for the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system and new disciplinary guidelines for player behaviour, as football’s governing body seeks to ensure smoother and faster-flowing contests.
Among the most notable adjustments is the introduction of a five-second countdown for both corner kicks and throw-ins. Under the new instruction, teams must restart play within the allotted time or risk losing possession. If the ball is not returned to play within five seconds, the right to take the corner kick or throw-in will pass to the opposing side.
The measure builds upon an existing rule that allows goalkeepers a maximum of eight seconds to release the ball and is intended to discourage deliberate delays during matches.
FIFA has also outlined tougher disciplinary consequences for players who challenge match officials. Under the revised guidelines, a player who leaves the field in protest against a referee’s decision may be shown a red card.
Additional restrictions have been placed on substituted players. Those leaving the pitch will be expected to do so within 10 seconds, except in cases involving injury or other exceptional circumstances.
Another significant change concerns interactions between players and referees. FIFA has stated that gestures involving players covering their mouths during discussions with officials will be treated severely under certain circumstances.
If a referee interprets a conversation as confrontational and a player covers their mouth using a hand, arm or jersey while speaking, the punishment will be an immediate red card. The move forms part of FIFA’s broader effort to regulate conduct towards match officials during the tournament.
The role of VAR has also been expanded substantially. The technology will now be permitted to intervene in situations involving incorrectly issued second yellow cards, helping officials correct disciplinary mistakes that may otherwise alter the course of a match.
VAR will additionally be able to identify the correct player responsible for a foul and assist in correcting corner-kick decisions that have been awarded in error.
The enhanced review powers extend to incidents occurring before the ball is in play during attacking sequences that later result in a goal, penalty decision or disciplinary sanction. This gives officials greater scope to assess key moments leading up to major match events.
Alongside the officiating and disciplinary updates, FIFA has introduced a mandatory hydration break lasting three minutes at the midpoint of each half. The measure is intended to provide players with an opportunity to rehydrate during matches throughout the tournament.
The new directives come shortly before the World Cup gets under way and represent one of the most significant sets of officiating adjustments introduced ahead of a major international tournament. FIFA hopes the measures will reduce interruptions, discourage delaying tactics and improve the accuracy of decisions on the game’s biggest stage.
With teams and officials now preparing for the competition, the effectiveness of the new rules is likely to be closely monitored throughout the tournament as FIFA seeks to maintain a high standard of play and officiating.
