Football’s lawmakers will vote later this month on whether to bring in countdowns to prevent time wasting and on the introduction of a 10-second substitute rule.
IFAB are to hold their annual meeting in Wales, where ballot on a proposal which would allow referees to countdown throw-ins and goal kicks.
The aim is to reduce deliberate delaying tactics by players and coaches and increase the amount of time the ball is in play. In circumstances where the official believes time-wasting is going on, they could susbequently give a five-second countdown with their fingers.
Failure to comply would see goal kicks changed to a corner to the opposing team, while throw-ins would be flipped.
A 10-second rule could also be brought in around substitutions, which may well end situations where players from a side with the lead slowly traipse off the field – a common and frustrating sight each weekend.
Football’s lawmakers will vote later this month on whether to bring in countdowns to prevent time wasting and on the introduction of a 10-second substitute rule
Leeds manager Daniel Farke accused Man City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of going down with a ‘fake injury’ to buy a timeout when the two teams played each other in November
Instances of goalkeepers feigning injury also appear to be on the rise and will also be looked at. Because, unlike outfield players, goalkeepers cannot be forced off the field, such behaviour can often give teams the opportunity to regroup. A proposal to ensure an outfield player would have to lead the field for 30 seconds when goalkeepers require treatment has been raised.
The meeting will take place in Cardiff on 28 February. The board consists of four members from FIFA and one each from the FAs of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Six of the eight votes available need to be secured for a change, which would come into effect from July 1 but which could also be used at the World Cup.
At the meeting, VAR’s remit could also be extended to review red cards which have resulted from an incorrect second yellow and in cases of mistaken identity.
The board will also vote on whether players can be permitted to wear jewellery, as long as it is covered by tape.
