New World Cup rules, but who controls football’s laws? | OneFootball

The World Cup returns this week with new measures to quicken play and curb time-wasting.

The tournament begins on Thursday 11 June at 21:00 with Mexico v South Africa, the same pairing that opened 2010. 48 nations will play 104 matches across Mexico, the United States and Canada in 39 days. El Periódico Mediterráneo reports that the new Laws of the Game will be in force.

Referees will run a 10-second countdown for every substitution. If exceeded, the substitute must wait until the first stoppage after at least one minute, leaving the team briefly short.

A five-second countdown will apply to undue delays at throw-ins and goal-kicks. Breaches give a throw-in to the opponents, or a corner if a goal-kick is delayed. A caution follows only if the awarded corner is obstructed excessively.

Goalkeepers who hold the ball with hands or arms for more than eight seconds will concede a corner.

VAR can check wrongly awarded corners, incorrect second yellow cards and yellow cards shown to the wrong player. Officials, including assistants and the fourth official, may wear body cameras.

Players and the referee may wear accessories if they are not dangerous and are securely covered.

The IFAB, comprising Scotland, Wales, England, Northern Ireland and FIFA, is the sole guardian of the Laws. Its annual cycle spans consultation, research, review and approval.

With an opener that echoes 2010, some will hope the ending does not change.

Source: El Periódico Mediterráneo