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The number of teams competing in this summer’s World Cup is not the only major change at the tournament. There have also been a raft of rule alterations.
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Ahead of the opening game between Mexico and South Africa, The International Football Association Board (IFAB) have made a number of rule changes, and if they are successfully implemented, it may become commonplace next season.
VAR to review a number of new incidents
No surprises here, VAR has been given the ability to review a number of incidents during a match which are listed below.
An incorrectly awarded corner kick, but only if it doesn’t delay the restart.
Attacking fouls that happen before play has started, VAR can suggest a disciplinary action when a restart has resulted in a goal, penalty, corner or free kick.
A red card that is issued from a second yellow card that is clearly incorrect.
A case of mistaken identity when a player is punished with a yellow or red card for a foul committed by another player.
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Players can’t cover their mouths during confrontations
Any player who covers their mouth with a hand, arm or shirt during a confrontation with the opposition will be shown a red card.
The rule has been created to stop potential racist comments being hidden from view following the recent incident between Benfica’s Gianluca Prestianni and Real Madrid’s Vinicius Junior during last season’s Champions League.
Players will, however, be allowed to cover their mouths if the conversation is friendly, but any sense of a confrontation will be punished.
Substitutes have 10 seconds to leave the pitch
In an attempt to speed up the game, players who have been substituted have 10 seconds to leave the pitch at the nearest possible point of exit.
If the substituted player fails to do this, then the player coming on will have to wait at least one minute until the next stoppage before being waved on by the referee, meaning their team will have to play with 10 men.
The new rule has already had an impact.
During a friendly between Japan and Iceland last week, winger Isak Thorvaldsson was unable to come on. Down a player, Iceland conceded as Koki Ogawa scored an 87th-minute header to earn Japan a 1-0 win.
The goal came one minute and 54 seconds after Thorvaldsson was prevented from entering the pitch.
Should this eventuate during the World Cup expect fireworks.
Five-second restart if players taking too long on a throw-in or goal kick
In another attempt to make the game quicker, the referee can start a five-second countdown if a player is deemed to be taking too long on a throw-in or goal kick.
The referee will raise their hand to begin the countdown, and if the is not in play by the end of the countdown, then possession will be reversed.
Injured players have one minute to leave the pitch
Any outfield player being treated by medical staff must leave the pitch for one minute.
There are likely to be exceptions for goalkeeper injuries, severe injuries or collisions.
No tactical timeouts if goalkeeper is injured
A goalkeeper going down injured can no longer be a signal for outfield players to get tactical advice from their coaches on the sidelines.
Instead, they will be told to stay on the pitch, but there is no disciplinary action if this rule is broken.
Hydration breaks to last three minutes in each half
With the World Cup being played in extreme heat, there will be three-minute hydration breaks allowed in each half.
The break will take place at around the 22nd minute of each period.
