14/09/2026
GETTING READY FOR GAME,
LEARNING THE NEW FIFA RULES WITH MR PETER CHIRWA
🚨 2026 FOOTBALL RULE CHANGES EXPLAINED ⚽
Many people are sharing the new rules, but as coaches, players, and fans, we need to understand not just what has changed, but why it has changed.
The International Football Association Board (IFAB) has approved several changes aimed at reducing time-wasting, improving match flow, and helping referees make more accurate decisions. These changes will be in effect for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
1️⃣ Throw-in countdown (5 seconds)
What is changing?
If the referee believes a team is deliberately delaying a throw-in, they will start a visible five-second countdown.
If the throw-in is not taken before the countdown ends, possession is awarded to the opposing team.
IFAB +1
What players must learn
✔ Be ready before the ball arrives
✔ Restart play quickly
✔ Avoid arguing or delaying
Coaching lesson
Smart teams prepare for the next action before the ball goes out of play.
2️⃣ Goal-kick countdown (5 seconds)
What is changing?
Referees can start a five-second countdown if a team delays taking a goal kick.
If the countdown expires, the opposing team receives a corner kick.
IFAB +1
Coaching lesson
Goalkeepers and defenders must organize quickly.
Teams can no longer waste time by slowly setting up goal kicks.
3️⃣ Timed substitutions (10 seconds)
What is changing?
A substituted player has only 10 seconds to leave the field using the nearest exit point.
If they exceed the limit, the replacement player cannot enter until the first stoppage after one minute has passed, meaning the team temporarily plays with 10 players.
Reuters +1
Coaching lesson
Players must leave immediately.
Teams must prepare substitutions in advance.
4️⃣ One-minute off-field treatment
What is changing?
An outfield player treated on the field must remain off the pitch for one minute after play restarts.
Exceptions include goalkeepers, serious injuries, head injuries, and some specific situations.
Reuters +1
Why?
To discourage players from staying down to stop the game.
Coaching lesson
Players must develop resilience and avoid unnecessary stoppages.
5️⃣ VAR can review incorrect corners
What is changing?
Competitions can allow VAR to correct clearly incorrect corner-kick decisions if the review can be completed immediately without delaying the restart.
IFAB +1
Coaching lesson
Every decision matters.
Players should continue playing rather than assuming a corner or goal kick was correctly awarded.
6️⃣ VAR can review second yellow card
What is changing?
If a player is sent off because of a clearly incorrect second yellow card, VAR can intervene and review the decision.
IFAB +1
Coaching lesson
Discipline remains important, but refereeing errors that lead to a dismissal now have an extra layer of protection.
7️⃣ Players covering their mouths during confrontations
This issue has been discussed extensively by IFAB and football authorities. The focus is on preventing abusive, discriminatory, or hidden confrontational behavior. Guidance and sanctions are being strengthened, though the exact application may depend on the competition and circumstances.
Coaching lesson
Communicate respectfully.
Football is moving toward greater transparency and accountability.
What do all these changes tell us?
Football is becoming:
✅ Faster
✅ More accountable
✅ Less tolerant of time-wasting
✅ More dependent on decision-making
The biggest winners will be teams that are:
• Organized
• Disciplined
• Mentally alert
• Ready to restart quickly
My final coaching message
The modern game rewards players who think quickly.
These new laws are not just rule changes.
They are reminders that football belongs to players who are prepared, disciplined, and intelligent.
"The faster you think, the less the game changes for you." ⚽🔥
Coach Dee
The QUEENS Foundation
**Developing Thinkers. Developing Players. Building Futures.**
