VAR Given New Powers at World Cup as Fifa Announces New Rules on Time-Wasting
The new protocol also targets wrongful second bookings and restart delays, with visible countdowns and a 10-second substitution exit rule.
- The International Football Association Board announced new VAR protocols for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, allowing video assistant referees to intervene if attacking teams commit clear fouls before set-pieces are taken.
- Pierluigi Collina, FIFA's chief refereeing officer, cited England's goal against Uruguay in March as an example that would be disallowed, arguing Adam Wharton's block on Jose Maria Gimenez was "completely unfair."
- Players being substituted now have 10 seconds to leave the pitch using the nearest boundary point; if they exceed this limit, their replacement cannot enter until one minute elapses following the restart.
- FIFA is also clamping down on teams using injuries to conduct tactical team talks, with Collina saying referees will be "proactive" in preventing teams from unfairly exploiting injury stoppages.
- Regarding goalkeeper injuries, Collina stated, "We will not allow the teams going to the benches when a goalkeeper is lying on the ground injured," though he admitted officials failed to reach consensus on sanctions.
21 Articles
21 Articles
It was in Norway's triumph against Sweden, on the threshold of the United States, Mexico and Canada World Cup
Major FIFA rule changes explained as Iceland's costly error sends warning to every 2026 World Cup team
Football News: Discover how Iceland's experience with FIFA's revised substitution regulations serves as a cautionary tale for all teams ahead of the 2026 World Cup, along with an overview of major rules changes including VAR expansions, anti-time wasting measures, and mandatory hydration breaks.
The scene is common in every stopped ball. Before the execution takes place, there is a real rite in the areas: that of the hugs and pushes before the ball gets in motion. Attackers and defenders try to stay in the best position to achieve the objective of the specific situation.The first points to the goal.The second ones, to avoid it.The generality is that those who push to avoid the score are those who are in the aim of the judges.However, at…
The Independent
The Independent (US)The VAR rule change set to rule out more goals at the World Cup
Fouls committed immediately before the ball is in play will now come under VAR scrutiny
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