World football governing body, FIFA, has approved a set of new rules that will be implemented at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in a bid to curb time-wasting and improve the accuracy of match decisions.
According to a report by ESPN, the newly approved measures introduce stricter guidelines on substitutions, throw-ins, medical stoppages, and the use of the Video Assistant Referee (VAR).
Under the updated regulations, players who are substituted must leave the pitch within 10 seconds.
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Failure to do so will result in their replacement being forced to wait one minute before being allowed to enter the field of play.
The rules also target delays during restarts. Teams will now be required to take throw-ins within five seconds.
If the time limit is exceeded, possession will automatically be awarded to the opposing side.
In addition, players who receive on-field medical treatment will be required to leave the pitch for at least one minute before they are permitted to return, a move aimed at discouraging players from exaggerating injuries to waste time.
The changes further expand the powers of the Video Assistant Referee system. VAR will now be permitted to review second yellow-card decisions and corner kick calls in cases where there is a clear and obvious error.
Football authorities believe the new measures will help speed up the game while ensuring more accurate officiating during matches at the 2026 global tournament.