VAR, timewasting and subs - new rules for the new season

The new football season will bring several significant rule changes aimed at increasing the speed of the game and reducing interruptions. These rules were first introduced at the 2022 World Cup but have caused some confusion in early English competitions. The video assistant referee (VAR) system will remain in place, as previously announced.

One of the main objectives is to decrease those frustrating moments that fans dislike and to increase the amount of actual football played. During the 2022 World Cup, the ball spent an average of 58 minutes and 16 seconds in play, accounting for 56.86% of total match time. By the end of the 2026-27 season, that figure is expected to rise to 60.43%.

The rules target player behavior rather than penalize teams for using time-wasting tactics. Players who deliberately delay the restart of play will trigger a countdown of five seconds, after which they will be penalized. If the time expires, the opposing team will receive a throw-in. The new rules also address goalkeeper tactics, such as taking too long for goal kicks.

In such cases, the referee can award the opposing team a corner instead. Substituted players must leave the field within 10 seconds; otherwise, they cannot return for at least one minute, and their team must play with ten players.

There are some exemptions to these rules, such as when a player is injured or there are security concerns. Additionally, goalkeeper tactical timeouts will be trialed, where an outfield player must leave the field for one minute if the goalkeeper asks for treatment. This change aims to discourage managers from using such tactics to disrupt the game's momentum.