IFAB Considers Timed Throw-Ins and Corner-Kicks to Curb Timewasting

Ifab Explores Timed Restarts and VAR Adjustments

The International Football Association Board (Ifab) has discussed introducing a countdown for throw-ins and goal-kicks to prevent timewasting, following a meeting of the Football and Technical Advisory Panels (FAP-TAP) on Tuesday.

The proposal aims to address delays caused by long throws in the Premier League and goalkeepers holding onto the ball, especially in the closing minutes of matches. This aligns with Ifab’s recent rule change that limits goalkeepers to eight seconds of ball possession in open play.

On Saturday, Brentford goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher was penalized with a corner against Liverpool after holding the ball for 13 seconds deep into stoppage time.

The FAP-TAP also supported a change to VAR protocol, allowing reviews for incorrect second yellow card send-offs. However, reviewing potential second yellow cards was deemed impractical due to the high number of potential incidents and delays. The Premier League’s Key Match Incident (KMI) Panel has identified 17 incorrect send-offs for two bookings over the past two seasons.

The proposal will be further discussed at Ifab’s annual business meeting on 20 January and is likely to be ratified at the annual general meeting in Cardiff on 28 February, with changes potentially taking effect next season.

VAR Protocol Review and Offside Law Trial

Ifab has been evaluating VAR protocol since its introduction in 2018. In July, Mark Bullingham, chief executive of the Football Association (FA), told BBC Sport that there is no need to extend VAR usage.

The FAP-TAP also discussed a low-level trial of an offside law change, which would deem a player onside if any part of their body is level with the second-last defensive player. This idea, supported by Arsene Wenger, Fifa’s head of global football, was first proposed in 2020 but has not advanced to full trials due to concerns about its tactical impact.

The FAP-TAP, which meets annually to discuss potential law changes, includes high-profile figures such as Wenger, Luis Figo, and Pierluigi Collina.