Law changes and innovations to look out for at the World Cup
In 1970 it was the introduction of yellow and red cards.- Red cards for covering mouths - Players who cover their mouths "in a confrontational situation with an opponent" can now be shown a red card, FIFA said last month.
Chelsea players during a hydration break at last year's Club World Cup in the United States (David Ramos) In 1970 it was the introduction of yellow and red cards. In 2018 VAR made its World Cup debut, while in Qatar in 2022 a FIFA directive to referees led to huge extensions to the amount of stoppage time played in games. So what can we expect to see at this year's World Cup in North America?
- Hydration breaks - Pauses to allow players to take on fluids have been regularly seen in games played in hot conditions, but they have never been introduced as a compulsory element of every match at a World Cup. That will change this year, with FIFA bringing in three-minute hydration breaks midway through each half -- regardless of the weather, even for matches played in cool conditions or under a closed roof. "There will be no weather or temperature condition in place, with the breaks being called by the referee in all games, to ensure equal conditions for all teams, in all matches," football's world governing body said.
FIFA puts the introduction of hydration breaks down to a commitment to player welfare, but cynics might say the decision to effectively split matches into four quarters resembles the way some leading US sports are played and suits American broadcasters who might take advantage by selling advertising during the breaks in action. - VAR to review corners, second yellows - The video assistant referee system was initially introduced to review possible clear and obvious errors in relaton to goals, penalty incidents, straight red cards and cases of mistaken identity. Earlier this year, the International Football Association Board (IFAB), which determines the laws of the game, announced that it would allow VAR's scope to be extended to cover second yellow cards and corners in time for the World Cup.
That means a review can now take place if a player is sent off for a second booking, as well as straight red card incidents. VAR will also be able to review a "clearly incorrectly awarded corner" so long, the IFAB says, as "the review can be completed immediately and without delaying the restart". - Countdowns for goal-kicks, substitutions - Countdowns will be introduced for goal-kicks, throw-ins and substitutions in an attempt to discourage time-wasting.
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