Referee changes in the "World Cup" spark debate about the future of football.

With 8 days remaining until the start of the 2026 World Cup, which will be hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada, football fans around the world are eagerly awaiting the implementation of the new amendments approved by FIFA to the laws of the game.

One of the most notable changes in matches is the requirement for a substituted player to leave the field within just 10 seconds after the substitution board is raised. If there is a delay, the substitute player is prohibited from entering for a full minute, forcing the team to play short as a disciplinary measure.

To avoid wasting time on throw-ins and goal kicks, the new law stipulates the implementation of a visual timer lasting 5 seconds for executing these plays. If the player exceeds this time, the ball is awarded directly to the opposing team (in throw-ins), or a corner kick is awarded to the opposing team (in the case of goal kicks).

The changes will also extend to the powers of the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) in matches, as referees will now be able to use the technology to review second yellow cards leading to red cards, in addition to reviewing incorrect corner kick decisions if they have a direct impact on the flow of the game.

The new law also stipulates the expulsion of players who cover their mouths with their hands, arms, or shirts if the referees deem the conversation to be unsportsmanlike; however, this is allowed if the situation is normal.

Regarding these amendments, Khalil Bouhbi, a member of the Moroccan Sports Arbitration Chamber, stated that FIFA is betting on the success of this tournament, which will see the participation of 48 teams for the first time, whether in terms of organization, marketing, or the quality of matches, especially since some voices opposed the increase in the number of participating teams.

Bouhbi added, in a statement to Hespress, that maintaining the beauty of football required the sports legislator represented by the International Football Association Board (IFAB) to introduce a set of "penal" texts that will help in the development of the game.