New FIFA rules for the World Cup

The World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico kicks off this Thursday nite with the opening match between Mexico and South Africa, in a context marked by regulatory changes that promise to revolutionize the pace of the game. FIFA has introduced new measures for the competition, a 10-second limit for substitutions, a five-second countdown for throw-ins and goal kicks, and the penalty of playing with one less player for a minute if a footballer delays leaving the field.

Support for the new measures

Among the voices that supported these provisions, Gary Neville, a former English player and current commentator on The Overlap, stood out. "It's incredible the introduction of limited-time substitutions," he stated, emphasising that footballers usually take too long to leave the field and that this change will improve the fans' experience. Neville also welcomed the timer for throw-ins, recalling that too much time is wasted in those situations in the Premier League.

The new rules are not limited to the pace of play. After the controversial episode between Gianluca Prestianni and Vinicius in the Champions, covering one's mouth during discussions on the field was prohibited. The former English forward Ian Wright supported the measure, "You can't prove anything if players cover their mouths, it's a good rule." The intention is clear, greater transparency and less room for attitudes that may conceal insults or discriminatory gestures.

Concerns about extreme heat

However, not everyone shares the enthusiasm. WATCH beIN SPORTS XTRA LIVE FOR FREE ON YOUTUBE expressed concern about the tournament's climatic context, "Some rules aim to speed up the game, but in extreme heat conditions, footballers will need breaks." For the former midfielder, it seems strange that they are being implemented just in a World Cup where the temperatures will be demanding.

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