FIFA approves five new football rules

PanARMENIAN.Net - The International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) has officially announced the introduction of new rules, which will be applied during the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.

The changes are aimed at reducing time-wasting and expanding the role of video assistant referees (VAR).

Under the new rules, a substituted player must leave the field within 10 seconds. If they fail to do so, the incoming player must wait one minute, leaving the team temporarily with one fewer player, Factor.am reports.

For throw-ins and goal kicks, a maximum of five seconds will be allowed. If the time limit is exceeded, possession will be awarded to the opposing team.

A player who receives medical treatment on the field must leave and can only return after one minute, unless no card was issued in that incident.

The authority of the VAR system has been expanded to include reviewing second yellow cards and disputed corner kick situations.

Only the team captain will be allowed to approach the referee for explanations. Other players who surround the referee will be shown a yellow card.