Arsenal-like time-wasting "dark arts" won't fly at World Cup
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Reading Time: 2min | Mon. 01.06.26. | 18:03
The referees received clear instructions to limit the time players spend on taking throw-ins and goal kicks, while those covering their mouths during disputes could be sent off
Arsenal seem to have started a revolution in football. Not because of their fantastic season in which they won the Premier League after 22 years and played the Champions League final after two decades, but because of their "dark arts" and time-stealing tactics they often resorted to.
According to the latest instructions the World Cup referees received, the Gunners-like "trickery" won't be allowed in the USA, Canada, and Mexico. To be more precise, several forms of time-wasting and unsporting behavior will be punished more strictly.
🚨🚨| NEW: FIFA has announced a series of major World Cup rule changes aimed at improving discipline and reducing gamesmanship.
— Goals Side (@goalsside) May 31, 2026
• Goalkeepers will no longer be allowed to use tactical “time-outs”
• Players will be prohibited from approaching the technical area during stoppages… pic.twitter.com/KQyZ9v888E
But let's go through the new rules one by one.
Substituted players will have 10 seconds to leave the pitch. Otherwise, a player coming off the bench will be obliged to wait until the next stoppage (at least a minute).
Players will have only 5 seconds to take a throw-in or a goal kick. If not, the opposing side will be awarded a throw-in or a corner kick, respectively.
If a player needs medical assistance, he'll have to spend at least a minute off the pitch, meaning that feigning injuries will be reduced to a minimum.
Finally, due to the Gianluca Prestianni vs Vinicius Jr case, players covering their mouths during on-field disputes could be sent off.
The moment Prestianni covered his mouth while arguing with Vini (©Angel Martinez/Getty Images)A VAR room will be allowed to correct referees' mistakes regarding goal kicks and corners, but only before the ball is put back into play. Hence, the VAR refs will have to be quick and efficient.
They will also be able to disallow goals scored after an offensive foul, even if it was committed before a set-piece that led to the goal. At the same time, leaving the pitch in protest at the referee's decision - the way the Senegalese did it in the 2025 AFCON final - will be punishable by dismissal.
If a goalkeeper is receiving treatment, players won't be allowed to approach their bench to seek advice from their staff, as these "tactical goalie time-outs" have become too frequent and annoying.
Finally, yellow cards will be erased after the group stage and after the quarter-finals, so the number of suspensions due to accumulated bookings should be reduced.