A new era in Turkish football: New 2026 World Cup rules to be applied this season

The Turkish Football Federation (TFF) has announced that the updated game rules applied at the 2026 World Cup, which football fans have been following closely, will also be implemented in the Süper Lig. The Central Referee Committee (MHK) will convey these regulations to referees during the referee training camp to be held before the season begins.

With the implementation of this new practice, players and technical teams will experience an unconventional season. The new rules focus on increasing the speed of the game and ensuring the clarity of the rules. However, the water break rule applied at the World Cup will not be implemented in our country.

Some of the regulations that were valid at the 2026 World Cup and will be transferred to the Süper Lig are as follows:

• A 5-second time limit has been introduced for goal kicks and throw-ins. If players exceed the time, possession of the ball will pass to the opposing team.
• If a throw-in is not taken on time, the opposing team will gain possession.
• In the event of a delayed goal kick, the opponent will be awarded a corner kick.
• Player substitutions must be completed within 10 seconds. A player who does not enter the game within this time will not be on the pitch for one minute until the first stoppage of play, and their team will play with one less player.
• Players taken off the pitch due to injury will be required to wait at least one minute before being allowed to re-enter the game.
• Referees will show a red card if players experiencing tension during the match cover their mouths with their hands, arms, or jerseys.
• The Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system will be consulted for incorrect corner kicks or second yellow card situations.
• In corner kicks and free kicks that have the potential to result in a goal or a penalty, if an attacking player commits a rule violation before the ball enters play, VAR will intervene to ensure the necessary disciplinary action is applied and it will be decided that the position be repeated.

STATEMENT FROM THE MHK REGARDING RULES AND TRAINING

The MHK recently provided the following information regarding the new rules and the training process:

"The implementation principles regarding the new game rules, which were first applied at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, have been officially communicated by UEFA to member federations and referees who will serve internationally.

As the Central Referee Committee, in line with other national federations in Europe, a comprehensive training and information process has been planned to ensure that the new game rules are applied with a correct and common understanding before the 2026-2027 season.

In this context, training will be provided to our referees at the pre-season referee seminar with the participation of our UEFA educator; subsequently, the implementation principles of the new game rules and their reflections on our leagues will be shared with the public at a press briefing session to be organized.

An information letter regarding the "Game Rules Seminars" for our clubs was sent via the Union of Clubs on July 2, 2026, and it was requested that training requests be reported to the Turkish Football Federation by July 10, 2026. The training sessions will be carried out by taking into account the preparation programs of our clubs; additional planning can be made if necessary for our clubs that will represent our country in UEFA organizations.

Similar training and information activities will be carried out before the start of the respective seasons, covering the Trendyol Süper Lig and Trendyol 1. Lig, as well as the Nesine 2. Lig and Nesine 3. Lig clubs. As the Central Referee Committee, our goal is to ensure that the new game rules are correctly understood by all stakeholders, to strengthen the unity of application, and to start the 2026-2027 season in full compliance with international standards."

With the start of this season in the Süper Lig, football fans will be able to observe the effective results of these innovative rules in matches.

News Source: 12punto