FIFA World Cup to Speed Up Play with 5-Sec Countdown

Officials are exploring new methods to accelerate the pace of play during this summer's FIFA World Cup. Proposals include implementing five-second countdowns for throw-ins and goal kicks. Referees would be empowered to start these counts if they determine a player is deliberately delaying the restart of play.

Should the delay continue, the opposing team could gain possession via a throw-in or corner kick. This potential rule change is scheduled for approval on Saturday at the International Football Association Board's (IFAB) annual general meeting in Wales. FIFA might adopt this rule before the World Cup knockout stage on July 1.

IFAB is also contemplating a 10-second limit for completing substitutions. Teams failing to comply might face a disadvantage, playing with one fewer player for at least a minute. These proposed changes are intended to minimize wasted time and reduce added stoppage time at the end of halves.

This initiative aligns with an existing eight-second rule introduced this season, requiring goalkeepers to release the ball within that timeframe or concede a corner. The upcoming 48-team World Cup, the largest in its history, is set to take place from June 11 to July 19 across sixteen cities in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.