Time limit could be coming for World Cup throw-ins and goal kicks

Field Level Media

Officials hope to hasten the tempo of ‌FIFA World Cup matches this summer by introducing five-second countdowns for ‌throw-ins and goal kicks, the Press Association reported Monday.

Referees would have discretion ​to whistle, signal, and start the count when they judge that a player is purposely delaying the restart.

If the dawdling ​persists, the opponent would take possession from a throw-in or corner ⁠kick.

The change is up for approval Saturday ‌at ‌the ​International Football Association Board's annual general meeting in Wales.

FIFA could adopt the ⁠rule before it is ​formally enshrined in the laws ​of the game during World Cup knockout play ‌on July 1st.

Another time-saving measure ​reportedly being considered by IFAB is a 10-second limit ⁠to complete substitutions. ⁠

Offending teams ​would have to play down one player for at least a minute due to the substitution not initially being permitted.

IFAB's motivation is to reduce wasted time and shorten stoppage time at the end of halves.

The proposed changes are ‌in line with ⁠an eight-second rule implemented this season that forces goalkeepers to release the ball within that ‌time or concede a corner.

The 48-team World Cup, the largest in ​tournament history, runs from June 11th ​to July 19th in 16 cities across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.