The International Football Association Board has approved changes to the video assistant referee protocol for this summer's World Cup. Officials will now review decisions regarding second yellow cards and corner kicks, according to Reuters. These additions aim to reduce errors in critical match situations that were previously outside the system's jurisdiction.
FIFA is also introducing a six-second countdown for goalkeepers to release the ball. Referees will enforce this rule strictly to prevent time-wasting during play. If a goalkeeper exceeds the limit, the opposing team will receive a corner kick or a throw-in, per Sky Sports.
Additional measures include a designated referee-only zone around the match official. Only team captains may approach the referee to discuss decisions, a trial successfully used during Euro 2024. FIFA president Gianni Infantino stated these updates will improve player behaviour and increase effective playing time. The tournament organisers expect these changes to provide greater consistency across all 64 matches in the competition.
