During its 140th Annual General Meeting in Hensol, Wales, the International Football Association Board (IFAB) approved a set of new reforms to the rules of football, specifically targeting the issue of time-wasting during matches. These reforms are the result of demands from various stakeholders in the football community, aiming to enhance the flow and pace of games, which is critical for maintaining fan engagement and satisfaction.

One of the primary changes includes extending the five-second countdown system, previously used only for goal kicks, to also apply to throw-ins. If a referee determines that there is a deliberate delay, they will initiate a visual countdown. Should the ball not be in play by the end of this countdown, the opposing team will be awarded the throw-in or goal kick, thus ensuring that the game continues without unnecessary interruptions.

These changes are set to be officially included in the Laws of the Game for the 2026-27 season, effective July 1, 2026. However, competitions starting before this date will have the option to adopt the new rules early, indicating a clear commitment to improving the overall quality of football matches at an important global event like the World Cup, which can also influence how tournaments are conducted at various levels.