The International Football Association Board has approved major rule changes that will expand the scope of VAR and introduce stricter measures to combat time wasting before the upcoming FIFA World Cup.
Under the new regulations, VAR will now review second yellow card decisions and certain corner kick calls. Previously, only straight red card incidents were eligible for review. IFAB stated that wrongly awarded corners will only be overturned if the review can be completed immediately without delaying the restart of play.
In addition to expanding VAR authority, lawmakers have introduced countdown measures for goal kicks, throw ins and substitutions. If a player exceeds the allotted time, possession will switch to the opposing team. This means a delayed goal kick could result in a corner, while a slow throw in would be awarded to the opposition.
Players substituted during matches will have 10 seconds to leave the pitch once their number appears on the board. Failure to exit promptly will prevent the substitute from entering until the next stoppage after at least one minute of play. Similarly, players receiving on field treatment must remain off the pitch for a minimum of one minute of active play before returning.
The rule amendments were agreed at a meeting in Cardiff and will officially take effect from July 1. However, they will be implemented at the World Cup, which begins on June 11.
IFAB also plans consultations on incidents where players leave the pitch in protest of refereeing decisions or cover their mouths during confrontations. Recent controversies involving Vinicius Junior and Benfica player Gianluca Prestianni have intensified discussions around conduct and anti racism measures in the game.
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