On January 15, The Times reported that the International Football Association Board (IFAB), the global body responsible for setting football rules, is preparing to intensify its crackdown on time-wasting tactics next week, with throw-ins and goal kicks becoming key areas of focus. IFAB will examine whether to introduce a referee-operated countdown mechanism and will also discuss issues related to feigned injuries and stricter time limits for substitutions.
IFAB will hold its annual business meeting in London next Tuesday, with one of the central agenda items being how to reduce deliberate time-wasting by players and coaching staff. In fact, starting this season, stricter limits have already been imposed on goalkeepers’ possession time: if a goalkeeper holds the ball too long, referees issue an 8-second countdown warning; failure to release the ball within that time results in a corner kick awarded to the opposing team.
Now, IFAB is considering expanding this countdown mechanism to cover goal kicks and throw-ins as well. If referees deem that these set pieces are being used to waste time, they may signal a 5-second countdown with their fingers; exceeding this limit would result in a corner kick for the opposition in the case of a delayed goal kick, or an immediate turnover of the throw-in to the opposing team if a throw-in is unduly delayed.
This season in the Premier League, long-throw tactics have noticeably increased as an offensive weapon, becoming a significant strategic tool for many teams. However, rule-makers emphasize that the countdown is not aimed at the tactic itself, but would only be enforced when referees determine it is being used specifically to waste time.
Statistics show that the Premier League’s “effective playing time” has declined this season, dropping by approximately 1 minute and 30 seconds compared to the 2024–25 season—from an average of 57 minutes per match to 55 minutes and 28 seconds. IFAB believes the frequent use of long throws may be one contributing factor to this decline.
Beyond set pieces, IFAB will also discuss injury-related time-wasting and whether stricter enforcement of substitution time limits is warranted. A new rule trialed during the FIFA Arab Cup held last December—designed to curb players faking injuries—received widespread praise. Under that rule, unless a player was fouled and the opponent received a yellow or red card as a result, any player receiving on-field treatment had to leave the pitch and could only re-enter after two minutes.
FIFA is expected to push for broader implementation of this rule and will also study protocols for goalkeepers receiving treatment—for example, whether an on-field teammate should temporarily leave the pitch in their place.
Additionally, FIFA will report to IFAB on the progress of trialing the so-called “Wenger Offside Rule.” This proposal stipulates that an offside offense should only be called when there is a “clearly visible gap” between the attacking and defending players. However, this reform has so far faced unanimous opposition from the four British football associations and UEFA.
On the technological front, IFAB may also move toward allowing VAR intervention in corner kick decisions at World Cup tournaments. With match balls embedded with microchips, the system can automatically identify the last player to touch the ball, thereby reducing disputes.
Last month, Pierluigi Collina, chairman of FIFA’s Referees Committee, stated that it would be deeply regrettable if the outcome of a major tournament match were decided by a referee’s “unintentional error.” His remarks are widely seen as providing important context for ongoing efforts to reform both rules and technology.
Overall, IFAB and FIFA aim to enhance match flow and fairness by introducing clearer, quantifiable time-management rules that minimize referees’ subjective judgment. Whether through countdown mechanisms, mandatory injury treatment protocols, or stricter substitution procedures, the core objective remains the same: to maximize the amount of time the ball is actively in play and prevent critical matches from being repeatedly interrupted and fragmented.
Moreover, IFAB noted that these reforms would help standardize refereeing practices globally. Currently, different leagues and competitions handle time-wasting inconsistently; implementing explicit countdowns and substitution time limits would reduce reliance on individual referee discretion, making outcomes fairer and more predictable.
However, if fully implemented, this suite of reforms will inevitably have a profound impact on teams’ tactical habits and match rhythm. Goalkeepers, full-backs, and players responsible for set pieces will face greater time pressure in decision-making, while referees’ consistency and application of standards will come under unprecedented scrutiny. Striking the right balance between curbing time-wasting and preserving the diversity of tactical approaches will remain a key challenge for IFAB and FIFA in the period ahead.
IFAB also stated it will closely monitor feedback following any rule implementation—including input from players, coaches, and referees—and make adjustments as necessary. The organization emphasized that the ultimate goal of these measures is to make the game more “ball-centered,” minimizing human interference so that every match showcases skill and tactics rather than time-wasting strategies and contentious officiating decisions.