The International Football Association Board (IFAB) has decided to enhance the authority of Video Assistant Referees (VAR) in football by allowing referees to consult VAR for situations involving second yellow card incidents that lead to a player's dismissal. Despite previous concerns that VAR might extend match durations, IFAB believes these changes will balance the game's fairness with the necessity of a swift pace. Currently, VAR application is restricted to direct red card incidents, but the new regulations seek to broaden this scope.

Additionally, the IFAB aims to combat time-wasting behaviors that have become prevalent in modern football. New measures introduced will impose strict time limits on various match procedures, including the reintroduction of the ball into play and player substitutions. For instance, if a goalkeeper delays the ball's restart from a goal kick, a corner kick will be awarded to the opposing team, promoting quicker transitions. Similarly, for throw-ins that are delayed, the ball will be handed over to the other team, thereby maintaining the flow of the game.

Moreover, the substitute player will now have a strict limit of 10 seconds to leave the pitch after their jersey number is displayed, enhancing the urgency of player changes. This initiative reflects a broader trend in football to minimize delays and enhance the viewing experience for fans, ensuring that matches progress more smoothly, and hopefully, keeping the match duration within acceptable limits for all attendees.