FIFA referee chief Collina hails 'overwhelming success' of new World Cup rules

Pierluigi Collina, president of FIFA's Referee Committee, expressed strong satisfaction with the new rules implemented at the World Cup 2026, designed to curb time-wasting. He described the regulations as an "overwhelming success." The measures, approved by the International Board before the tournament began, focus on increasing net playing time. Key among them are a five-second limit for executing goal kicks and throw-ins, and a maximum of ten seconds for substituted players to exit the field. Collina noted that these rules have been highly effective and widely recognized as positive innovations. He revealed that only one player failed to leave the field within the stipulated time during the 72 group stage matches. Infractions for the five-second rule occurred 15 times: four for goal kicks, resulting in corner kicks for opponents, and 11 for throw-ins, leading to possession changes. Collina also highlighted a rule requiring players who feign injury to leave the field for one minute, noting a significant decrease in such exaggerations and simulations.

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The new rules against time-wasting in the World Cup have been an overwhelming success.