IFAB: new measures introduced to improve match flow and and reduce time-wasting

"The IFAB has approved a set of measures designed to enhance match tempo and reduce time-wasting across the game," announced the International Football Association Board following its 140^th annual general meeting, held in Hensol (Wales) on 28/02/2026 and chaired by Mike Jones, president of The Football Association of Wales (FAW), a body celebrating its 150^th aniversary in 2026.

For example, "if the referee considers that a throw-in or goal kick is taking too long or being deliberately delayed, a five-second visual countdown will be initiated. If the ball is not in play at the end of the countdown, the throw-in will be awarded to the opposing team while a delayed goal kick will result in a corner kick being awarded to the opponents," according to IFAB.

"The approved changes will be implemented at the 2026 World Cup and other competitions," said the international body.

"This 140^th annual general meeting marked a decisive and forward-looking development in ensuring that football remains fast, fair and dynamic," added IFAB.

Measures adopted by the IFAB on 28/02/2026