New World Cup rules curb time-wasting, reduce protests, says FIFA referee chief

New rules introduced at the World Cup to combat time-wasting have proven highly effective, according to Pierluigi Collina, FIFA's Director of Refereeing and president of the Referees' Committee. Collina observed that measures such as a five-second limit for goal kicks and throw-ins, a ten-second limit for players leaving the field when substituted, and a one-minute allowance for injuries have been unanimously considered positive innovations.

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The five-second limit for goal kicks or throw-ins, the ten seconds for leaving the field when substituted, and the minute for a low injury have been very effective measures and unanimously considered very positive innovations.

In the 72 group stage matches, only one substituted player exceeded the ten-second limit for exiting the field, while many players hurried to leave the pitch even when their team was leading. The five-second rule for goal kicks was breached four times, resulting in corner kicks for the opposing team, and it was exceeded 11 times during throw-ins, leading to the decision being reversed in favor of the opponent. Furthermore, the number of player injuries requiring medical intervention has significantly decreased.

Collina praised the overall conduct of players and coaches, noting that there have been only two yellow cards issued for protesting referee decisions to players and two to coaches. He highlighted that six of the ten red cards shown so far were for denying clear goal-scoring opportunities. Only one red card was issued for covering one's mouth during an altercation, specifically to Paraguayan player Miguel Almirón.

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The general behavior has been very good so far.

Prior to the World Cup, extensive online meetings were held with coaches and players to clarify refereeing criteria, particularly concerning ball disputes and handball situations. To enhance the game's pace, referees were advised not to penalize normal contact and to pay close attention to specific tactical situations, such as attacking players impeding defenders. Collina emphasized that while maintaining position is not inherently a foul, referees and VAR must carefully analyze instances where an attacking player deliberately obstructs opponents without interest in the ball.

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If a player is not interested in the ball and moves deliberately, even minimally, with the clear intention of hindering the movement of opponents and preventing them from defending, referees, and VAR when necessary, must carefully analyze the play and intervene.

"This is especially important when the tactic is to prevent the opposing goalkeeper from defending the goal," Collina stated. "Coaches and players were informed, so it should not be surprising that referees sanction these fouls." He added that these clarifications were provided to ensure a smoother and more dynamic tournament, with a focus on fair play and maintaining the integrity of the game.

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Coaches and players were informed, so it should not be surprising that referees sanction these fouls.