[REVISION HISTORY]

IFAB football rule change trials and implementation

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What changed

2026-08-22 09:30 UTC → 2026-08-29 04:59 UTC · added ~~removed~~

The International Football Association Board (IFAB) approved experimental rule changes designed to reduce time-wasting and simulation. These measures include requiring a team to play with ten players for one minute when a goalkeeper receives medical assistance, tightening goal-kick and throw-in timing, and limiting substitution windows. Initial trials were scheduled for matches in England and the Netherlands. Following tests during the 2026 World Cup, the Netherlands moved toward implementing these regulations across both professional and amateur leagues for the 2026/27 season. Specific Dutch implementations include a ten-second limit for substituted players to exit the pitch and the use of visible countdowns by referees for restarts to increase match tempo. As of August 2026, these regulations are being implemented in both England and the Netherlands to maximize effective playing time. In England, the changes apply to all levels of play, ranging from the Premier League and EFL to grassroots Sunday leagues. A key measure in England involves referees using a visible countdown for goal kicks and ~~throw-ins;~~ throw-in; if a player fails to restart play within five seconds of the countdown, possession may be awarded to the opposing team. In the Netherlands, the KNVB is introducing similar guidelines for professional and amateur football. This includes a ten-second limit for players to exit the field during a substitution. If a player exceeds this limit, the substitute may be barred from entering immediately, which could force a team to play with fewer players temporarily to discourage tactical delays. Expansion of these rules for the 2026/27 season now includes Spain’s LaLiga. In Spain, LaLiga’s Technical Committee of Referees has introduced a 10-second limit for substituted players to leave the pitch; if exceeded, the substitute cannot enter until the next stoppage. In August 2026, Italy’s Serie A adopted new referee directives following IFAB guidelines to combat time-wasting.

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