FIFA targets time-wasting, red cards at World Cup

FIFA targets – With the 48-team World Cup starting in less than two weeks, FIFA says match officials will focus on keeping games moving through rule changes aimed at limiting time-wasting. FIFA also outlined red-card enforcement for players who cover their mouths in confront

On the eve of a World Cup that starts in less than two weeks, FIFA has made one demand clear: stop the games from stalling.

At Sunday’s briefing. FIFA said its on-field officials for the 48-team tournament will push to “eliminate” disruption to match tempo “as much as possible. ” using rule changes designed to limit time-wasting seriously. Pierluigi Collina. FIFA chief refereeing officer and chair of the referees committee. framed it as an objective referees can actually enforce.

“We are continuing on trying to achieve an objective, which is to eliminate from matches — as much as possible — the disruption of the tempo of the match,” Collina said.

FIFA’s emphasis isn’t limited to quick restarts. It comes with specific red-card triggers and tightly defined timing measures that leave little room for gamesmanship.

Players who leave the field of play after being angered by an official’s decision can be shown a red card. FIFA said. Referees will also have tools to keep play flowing: FIFA will allow a five-second visual countdown on goal kicks and throw-ins. If a goal kick isn’t taken before the countdown ends, the opposing team will receive a corner kick. If a throw-in isn’t executed by the end of the five seconds, the opponents are awarded the throw-in. FIFA tied the approach to the “eight-second goalkeeper rule” already in place for releasing the ball after making a save.

Time-wasting also has a hard limit for substitutions. FIFA said players being substituted off must leave the field within 10 seconds, except for special situations such as injuries or a security issue.

The tournament officials’ focus also includes a new enforcement message around player conduct during confrontations. FIFA said a red card will be issued to any player who covers his mouth while talking to an opponent in a “confrontational situation.” FIFA added that conversations that are not confrontational but still involve players shielding their mouths from public view will be permitted without penalty.

“Confrontational … a completely different story,” Collina said.

VAR, meanwhile, is being clarified in particular areas where decisions can swing games. FIFA said VAR can be used to check when red cards are issued after a clearly incorrect second yellow card. or when cards are issued in cases of mistaken identity. It can also be used to review incorrectly awarded corner kicks.

FIFA also detailed VAR protocol “regarding clear offences committed by the attacking team before the ball is in play at a corner kick or free kick” that directly impacts goals. penalty kicks or sanctions. VAR can be used in those moments. and “if the referee determines that an offence occurred before the ball was in play. the appropriate disciplinary action will be taken.”.

The push for speed won’t automatically mean faster matches overall. FIFA confirmed that there will be three-minute water breaks midway through each half of every match.

Put all of the pieces together and the picture is unmistakable: FIFA is trying to squeeze out the stoppages caused by players and delay tactics. while still maintaining controlled interruptions for hydration and bringing more clarity to how discipline and certain VAR decisions are handled when games are at their most sensitive.

FIFA World Cup referees Collina time-wasting red card VAR goal kick countdown throw-in countdown substitutions 10 seconds water break