The International Football Association Board (Ifab) has discussed introducing a countdown on throw-ins and goal-kicks in an effort to stop timewasting. The proposal aims to reduce the time spent by teams waiting for set-pieces, which have become increasingly lengthy due to the increase in long throws this season.
Under the proposed law change, once the count begins, the referee would signal when the last five seconds of the countdown have started. If the goalkeeper fails to release the ball within that timeframe, a corner is awarded to the opposing team. This system was already implemented for goalkeepers in 2023, with an eight-second limit on holding the ball before releasing it.
The discussion also centered around the use of Video Assistant Referees (VARs) in second yellow card situations. While VAR reviews are not currently possible for incorrectly awarded corners that lead to a goal, the FAP-TAP has supported changing VAR protocol to allow reprieve when a player is sent off after receiving their second yellow card.
According to data from the past two seasons, 17 players have been incorrectly sent off for two bookings. The proposal would come into effect next season and be ratified at the annual general meeting in Cardiff on February 28.
However, some have questioned the need for further VAR extension, with Mark Bullingham, chief executive of the Football Association (FA), stating that there is "no need" to extend the use of VAR. The debate surrounding the aims of changing the offside law remains ongoing, with concerns about its potential impact on the tactical flow of the game.
The Ifab's FAP-TAP also discussed a proposed change to the offside law, which would see a player considered onside if any part of their body is level with the second-last defensive player. The idea was first put forward in 2020 but has been met with concerns about its potential effects on the game.
Ultimately, the Ifab's proposals aim to promote fair play and reduce the time spent by teams waiting for set-pieces, while also addressing issues surrounding VAR reviews.
Under the proposed law change, once the count begins, the referee would signal when the last five seconds of the countdown have started. If the goalkeeper fails to release the ball within that timeframe, a corner is awarded to the opposing team. This system was already implemented for goalkeepers in 2023, with an eight-second limit on holding the ball before releasing it.
The discussion also centered around the use of Video Assistant Referees (VARs) in second yellow card situations. While VAR reviews are not currently possible for incorrectly awarded corners that lead to a goal, the FAP-TAP has supported changing VAR protocol to allow reprieve when a player is sent off after receiving their second yellow card.
According to data from the past two seasons, 17 players have been incorrectly sent off for two bookings. The proposal would come into effect next season and be ratified at the annual general meeting in Cardiff on February 28.
However, some have questioned the need for further VAR extension, with Mark Bullingham, chief executive of the Football Association (FA), stating that there is "no need" to extend the use of VAR. The debate surrounding the aims of changing the offside law remains ongoing, with concerns about its potential impact on the tactical flow of the game.
The Ifab's FAP-TAP also discussed a proposed change to the offside law, which would see a player considered onside if any part of their body is level with the second-last defensive player. The idea was first put forward in 2020 but has been met with concerns about its potential effects on the game.
Ultimately, the Ifab's proposals aim to promote fair play and reduce the time spent by teams waiting for set-pieces, while also addressing issues surrounding VAR reviews.
meanwhile ifab's trying to address timewasting and set-piece drama in the first place lol maybe they should focus on one thing at a time 
btw did u catch that mark bullingham said there's no need for var extension? like what? is he just not paying attention? 
. And now they wanna introduce these countdowns for throw-ins and goal-kicks? It's like, are we really so impatient that we can't even wait five seconds? 
But seriously, I think it's a good move. We need to slow down and focus on the bigger picture – fair play and sportsmanship. And yeah, VAR reviews can be a bit wonky sometimes 
... but if it means less drama and more accurate calls, then let's do it! But what's up with the offside law debate? It's like we're stuck in this endless loop of "but this could change the game!" 
... can't we just find a balance between strategy and fairness? 
... I mean, 17 players getting sent off for two bookings is actually pretty low, don't you think? 
. But hey, if some people don't think it's needed, that's cool, I guess.
, introducing a countdown on throw-ins and goal-kicks is gonna make the game even slower and less interesting 
. And what's with all these proposals about changing offside laws? It's already super confusing as it is 
And another thing, if VAR reviews are not possible for corners that lead to a goal, why bother having VAR at all? It's just gonna lead to more controversy and drama 
. Let the players be reckless with their throws, it's part of the game 
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. But you know what? I think VAR should be used more often. Those incorrect yellow cards can really change the momentum of a game 
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throw-ins are like 5 seconds max who's really gonna waste that much time? and vars are already pretty strict what's the diff if its 8 or 10 sec? 
like if ur goalie is holding onto the ball 4eva and takes 5 sec beyond the count 
. Now, extending it to a countdown system will be a great move! 
It'll keep the game moving and prevent teams from wasting too much time. Fingers crossed, this change happens soon 
just kidding sorta. but seriously if they're trying to stop teams from wasting time its probably a good idea we had some annoying matches last season where it felt like they were just standing around all game