German Bundesliga rolls out new in‑play countdowns and equipment rules

From the start of the new season the German professional football league will enforce a 5‑second countdown for delayed throw‑ins and goal kicks. If the ball is not put back into play before the count expires, possession passes to the opposing team; a missed throw‑in results in a re‑throw by the opponent and a missed kick awards a corner kick.

Players may now wear jewelry and accessories provided they are securely covered and pose no injury risk – rings are allowed to stay on. Substitutions must be completed within ten seconds; exceeding this forces the incoming player to wait at least one minute before entering. Any player receiving treatment for an injury must leave the field and may only return a minute after play resumes. The changes aim to curb time‑wasting, with the VAR also receiving expanded authority.