New powers for referees in the World Cup.

FIFA announced that the referees on the field will maintain the flow of play during the World Cup matches, in order to reduce interruptions and time-wasting, just under two weeks before the tournament that will see the participation of 48 teams.

FIFA added that among the points referees will focus on is the commitment to send off any player who covers their mouth while speaking to an opponent in the event of a dispute on the field.

Pierluigi Collina, the head of FIFA's referees committee, said: "We continue our efforts to minimize time-wasting and interruptions to play as much as possible."

If a player leaves the field due to anger over a referee's decision, the referee may show them a red card.

To speed up play, referees can implement a five-second countdown for goal kicks and throw-ins. If the goal kick is not taken before the countdown ends, a corner kick will be awarded to the opposing team. If the throw-in is not executed within the same timeframe, it will be awarded to the opposing team. This aligns with the eight-second rule for goalkeepers, which allows them a chance to play the ball after making a save.

Players who have been substituted must leave the field within ten seconds, except in cases where the player is injured or there are security issues.

The protocol for the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) is clarified in some aspects, as it can be used to check red card situations after a player has incorrectly received a second yellow card, or in cases of mistaken identity, and it can review corner kicks that have been awarded incorrectly.

Players who cover their mouths with their hands, arms, or shirts will be sent off if the referees deem the conversation to be unsportsmanlike, but this is allowed if it is not hostile.

Clarification of the situations reviewed in VAR in the event of fouls by the attacking team before taking a corner kick or executing a set piece that led to a goal, or awarding penalties, or sanctions.