EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsThe International Football Association Board (IFAB) has made some big changes to soccer ahead of the World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada. But you'll also see them in leagues around the world next season, too.Here is what is changing this summer. Andy Davies (@andydaviesref) is a former Select Group referee, with more than 12 seasons on the elite list, working across the Premier League and Championship. With extensive experience at the elite level, he has operated within the VAR space in the Premier League and offers a unique insight into the processes, rationale and protocols that are delivered on a Premier League matchday. A host of VAR changesThe Video Assistant Referee (VAR) will now be allowed to review a number of new things, including:- An incorrectly awarded corner kick, but only as long as it doesn't delay the restart.- Any attacking fouls that happen before play is started. Previously, no foul would be allowed until the ball is live, but now VAR can step in to suggest disciplinary action when a restart has resulted in a goal, penalty, corner or free kick.- A red card that is issued from a second yellow card that is clearly incorrect.- A case of mistaken identity when a player is punished with a yellow or red card for a foul committed by another player.Players can't cover their mouthsAny player who covers their mouth with a hand, arm or shirt during a confrontation with an opponent will be punished with a red card.The rule has been brought in to stop potential racist comments being hidden from view, after the recent incident involving Benfica winger Gianluca Prestianni and Real Madrid's Vinicius Junior in the UEFA Champions League. A key point is that if the conversation is friendly, players can do it. But as soon as there is any hint of confrontation, it could be a red card.10-second substitutionsSubbed players have 10 seconds to leave the field at the nearest point of exit. If they don't, then the player due to come on must wait at least one minute until the next stoppage in play and are waved on by the referee. And that means their team must play with 10 men until they arrive.5-second restartIf the referee feels a player is deliberately taking too long on a throw-in or goal kick, they will instigate a five-second countdown, at the end of which the team will be penalized.The ref will raise their hand to begin the countdown. If the ball isn't in play by the time that is over, then possession will be reversed. If it's a throw-in then another throw-in will be awarded to the opponents; if it's a goal kick then a corner will be awarded to the opponents.Injured players leaving the pitchAn outfield player who is treated by medical staff must leave the pitch for one minute. There could be exceptions with goalkeeper injuries, severe injuries, or collisions.No more tactical timeouts for goalkeeper injuriesPlayers won't be able to go to the technical area to get advice from their coaches when a goalkeeper goes down injured. They will be told to stay put.However, there won't be any disciplinary action for those who break the rule.Players leaving the pitchAny player who leaves the pitch in protest over a decision will be shown a red card. The same applies for team staff who tell players to leave the pitch. And if a team causes a match to be abandoned then they will forfeit the match (for example, Senegal vs. Morocco in the AFCON final).Hydration breaks each halfThere will be three minutes allowed in each half (around the 22nd minute) for a hydration break due to the extreme temperatures in the host countries.A longer halftime break for the World Cup final?FIFA has announced that, for the first time, the final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on July 19 will include a Super Bowl-style concert. This has led to concerns that the game's halftime break would be around double the normal length (15 minutes), due to the show.But Hugh Evans, CEO of the nonprofit Global Citizen, which has partnered with FIFA on the show told The Associated Press in an interview that everyone involved were huge soccer fans who wanted to ensure the performances would be "significantly shorter than the 15-minute mark.""Soccer fans around the world can be rest assured knowing that we're very respectful of the game," he added.
