Football's governing body for the laws of the game has approved sweeping changes designed to combat time-wasting, with the regulations set to take effect from 1 June in time for this summer's World Cup. The International Football Association Board (IFAB) has introduced a visual countdown system targeting delays at throw-ins and goal kicks. Under the new framework, officials will trigger a five-second timer whenever they judge that play is being unnecessarily held up. TRENDING Stories Videos Your Say The regulations threaten to eliminate the increasingly popular long-throw tactic that has become a feature of English top-flight football. Who has won the last five World Cup finals?

Source: BBC February 28, 2026 21:59 UTC