FIFA has announced a set of new rules that will be implemented at the upcoming FIFA World Cup, aimed at speeding up the game and improving fairness.

Under the new regulations, a player who is substituted must leave the field within ten seconds. If the player takes longer, the incoming substitute will be required to wait at least one minute before entering the pitch.

Players requesting medical assistance on the field will now be required to leave the pitch for one minute, though exceptions can be made at the referee’s discretion.

To reduce time wasting, referees will be able to enforce a five second countdown for throw-ins or goal kicks. If the ball is not returned to play within this timeframe, possession will be awarded to the opposing team. Specifically, a delayed throw-in will go to the other team, while a delayed goal kick will result in a corner kick for the opposition.

Additionally, VAR technology will now have the ability to review second yellow card decisions and corner kicks if a clear error is detected, expanding the scope of video assistance beyond traditional uses.

The new rules are part of FIFA’s ongoing efforts to make matches faster, fairer, and more entertaining for players and fans alike.