10-second rule for substitutions from IFAB

The International Football Association Board (IFAB), responsible for the governance of football, held its annual meeting in London to discuss new practices aimed at minimizing time-wasting in the game. As a result of the meeting, striking decisions were made to eliminate elements that slow down the flow of the game during substitutions.

In addition to the previously implemented practice of requiring a substituted player to leave the pitch at the nearest boundary line, it has now been decided to limit the time taken to reach the sideline. According to the new rule, a player on the pitch will be required to leave the field of play within 10 seconds during a substitution. This is intended to prevent unnecessary stoppages and time-wasting.

At the same meeting, various proposals regarding the expansion of the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system were also brought to the table. According to the proposals, it is planned for VAR to intervene in cases of cards shown to the wrong player, red cards resulting from incorrectly issued yellow cards, and erroneous corner kick decisions.

Furthermore, the offside rule was also evaluated. It was noted that trials for new offside applications, which have been tested in controversial positions where the attacking player is ahead, will continue. Final decisions are expected to be clarified at the IFAB General Meeting to be held in Wales on February 28.