FIFA Cracks Down on Time-Wasting with New Rule to boost playing Time
FIFA is implementing a new rule aimed at increasing actual playing time in football matches, addressing concerns over excessive stoppages and purposeful time-wasting. The change, announced by Pierluigi Collina, President of the Referees Commission, will require players receiving medical attention to remain off the field for a mandatory two minutes.
The decision stems from reports by FIFA and the International Football Association Board (IFAB) revealing that, on average, only 50-55 minutes of actual play occur within a standard 90-minute match.
Collina clarified that the rule is designed to deter players from feigning injury. “If a player is really injured, two minutes does not represent a detriment; if he is not, the obligation to leave the field will act as a deterrent,” he explained.
Here’s how the rule will function: When a player requires medical attention, the referee will halt play and allow medical staff onto the field. The injured player must then exit the field and cannot return for at least two minutes. Tho, the referee retains the discretion to allow a player to re-enter the field before the two minutes have elapsed if a clear foul or obvious infraction has occurred.
Goalkeepers are the sole exception to this rule.
The overarching goal,as stated by Collina,is straightforward: “The objective is simple: to play more and waste less time.” FIFA hopes this new measure will lead to more engaging matches and a fairer allocation of playing time.
