In 1970, yellow and red cards were adopted, and in 2018, the video assistant referee (VAR) appeared for the first time in the World Cup, while in Qatar in 2022, a directive from the International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) for referees led to a significant increase in counted time instead of stoppage time in matches.
As for the World Cup in 2026, what can we expect? What new amendments will be adopted? Water breaks
Fluid breaks have long been common in matches played in hot conditions, but have never been imposed as a requirement at World Cup matches.
But the situation will change this year, with 3-minute fluid breaks in the middle of each half, regardless of the weather condition, even in matches played in cold conditions or under a closed roof.
In this context, FIFA said, “There will be no conditions related to weather or temperature, and rest periods will be determined by the referee in all matches, to ensure equal opportunities for all teams in all matches.”
The International Federation attributes the introduction of breaks for drinking water to its commitment to protecting players, but others may say that the decision to actually divide matches into 4 rounds is similar to the way some popular sports are played in the United States, and this also suits the official American broadcast channels that may take advantage of the opportunity by selling advertisements during the rest periods.
“VAR” to review the corners and the second yellow cards
The VAR system was initially implemented to review potential clear and obvious errors, in cases of goals, penalty kicks, direct red cards, and cases of mistaken player identification.
Earlier this year, the International Football Association Board, which is responsible for setting the laws of the game, announced that it would allow the VAR system to be expanded to include second yellow cards and corner kicks, before the start of the World Cup.
This means that a review can now be carried out if a player is sent off for a second booking, in addition to direct red card cases.
Likewise, VAR will be able to review “corner kicks that were clearly awarded incorrectly,” as long as the review is completed immediately and without delaying the resumption of play.
Countdown to goal kicks and substitutions
A countdown will be implemented for goal kicks, throw-ins and substitutions, in an attempt to reduce time wasting.
If the player takes longer than necessary, possession of the ball will be transferred to the opposing team, which means that the goal kick may turn into a corner kick, or the throw-in will be transferred to the opponent’s hand.
This comes after the introduction of an eight-second time limit on goalkeepers in possession of the ball, under which a corner kick is awarded if they take too long.
The International Federation Council said: “If the referee considers that a throw-in or goal kick is taking too long or is being deliberately delayed, a 5-second visual countdown will start.”
At the same time, players will be given 10 seconds to leave the field once their number appears on the substitution board. If they do not do so, they must leave the field immediately, and the substitute will not be allowed to enter until the next stop of play, after at least one minute of play.
Players receiving treatment for an injury, or whose injury causes play to be interrupted, must leave the field for one minute before being allowed to return.
Red cards to cover the mouth
Last April, FIFA announced that it can now expel players who cover their mouths in a confrontation with an opponent.
This announcement came after an incident that occurred during a Champions League match last February, when Argentine Gianluca Pristiani, Benfica’s Portuguese midfielder, covered his mouth while talking to Brazilian Vinicius Junior, Real Madrid’s Spanish striker.
Pristiani was accused of racially abusing the Brazilian, and later received a 6-match ban.
In addition, FIFA stated that it would allow referees to send off any player who leaves the field in protest against a refereeing decision.
He added: “This new law also applies to any team official who incites players to leave the field. The team that causes the match to be canceled will be considered a loser in principle.”
Last January, the final of the African Cup of Nations witnessed unfortunate events that led to the withdrawal of Senegal players in protest against a penalty kick awarded to host Morocco.
The players eventually returned and Senegal won the match after extra time, but the Confederation of African Football (CAF) later stripped them of the title, saying that they had “violated the rules of the tournament by withdrawing”, while the matter is still under discussion.
