FIFA rolls out new World Cup rules, Koeman briefed

FIFA will apply a set of new match regulations at the upcoming World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada. Netherlands head coach Ronald Koeman and his staff received the briefing on Sunday.

The substitution rule requires a player whose number is displayed to exit the field within ten seconds via the shortest route. If the departing player exceeds this time, the incoming substitute must wait for the next dead‑ball moment after a full minute has elapsed. FC Twente midfielder Kristian Hlynsson delayed his substitution in a recent friendly against Japan, and Japan scored in the minute they temporarily played with an extra man.

For goal kicks, the referee may start a five‑second countdown after raising his arm, and failure to take the kick within that period awards a corner to the opponents. An identical five‑second rule applies to throw‑ins, with the same consequence if the ball is not thrown in promptly.

Injured players must remain off the pitch for one minute and may only re‑enter when the referee signals, except for goalkeepers or when the opposing side has received a yellow or red card. They are also prohibited from approaching the sideline for tactical discussion with the coaching staff during treatment.

The video referee is now authorised to inform the on‑field referee of an incorrectly awarded corner or an unjust second yellow card. Assistant referees will use a semi‑automatic off‑side flagger that emits an audio cue when a player is more than ten centimetres beyond the off‑side line, and they must refrain from flagging if a system fault is suspected.

Covering the mouth while speaking to an opponent can result in a red card, a rule introduced after the incident involving Benfica player Gianluca Prestianni. FIFA hopes the suite of changes will curb time‑wasting and increase pure playing time at the tournament.