Every year there are some new rules implemented in football and it has already been four years since the last World Cup, so, there are definitely new rules in this World Cup. But what are they? The international football authorities have constantly been working to improve the game at its core so that no team would get a slight advantage or disadvantage. So, today we are going to talk about the new rules that are being implemented in the World Cup for the first time.
So, here are the 5 new rules and features that are going to be implemented in the upcoming World Cup. Make sure you stick with us till the end.
5. Five Substitutions Instead of Three
The five substitutions rule was made by IFAB (International Football Association Board) temporarily in 2020 when the halted matches were resumed post-COVID pandemic. After that, many domestic leagues, including the Champions League adopted the rule. Giving continuity to the rule, FIFA announced around five months before the World Cup 2022 that the rule will be applicable for this year’s World Cup. It allows the teams to use 5 substitutions instead of just three. These five substitutions will be made in 3 windows and the team also gets an extra sub if the match goes into extra time.
Teams are allowed to use five substitutions.This rule might come as a huge benefit to the teams because managers might balance the load on their key players since the World Cup is going to take place during the mid-season. So, we believe, it helps players to take only the required time on the pitch. Moreover, this rule is expected to be permanent as it has many advantages both for the players and coaches.
4. Semi-Automated Offside Technology
FIFA introduced its first VAR system to the World Cup in the 2018 World Cup. The system helped the referees tremendously to make the right decision as their decision can sometimes decide the outcomes of the game. In the same manner, it also helped football fans to get information about the review process. However, FIFA President Gianni Infantino wanted more out of the system.
Similarly, they announced their latest system called Semi-Automated Offside Technology this year. To make this technology, they have worked with various partners such as Adidas and Working Group for three years. This technology requires 12 tracking cameras which are placed under the stadium roof and helps them to track the ball. Moreover, it is also able to track players and calculate their exact position on the field by collecting 29 data points of the player 50 times per second.
Also Read: What stadium are hosting the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar?
The biggest advantage of this system is the VAR team needs less time to decide whether the player was offside or not. As reported, previously it required around 2 and a half minutes to come to the conclusion from the moment the goal was scored, however, with the introduction of this technology, it can be completed within 30 seconds.
3. Expanded Rosters
This time there are gonna be more players than ever in the history of The World Cup. Before only 35 players were allowed from each national team but now, it has been expanded to 55. Whereas the final squad can now contain a maximum of 26 players and a minimum of 23 players which was previously 23 players. In addition, people who are allowed to sit on the bench have also been expanded from 12 to 15.
Eligible players are expanded from 35 to 55.According to FIFA, they had to increase the number of players because,
“given the need to retain additional flexibility due to the unique timing of the FIFA World Cup 2022 in the global calendar, as well as the broader context of the disruptive effects caused by the COVID-19 pandemic on squads before and during tournaments.”
They also had to make changes because the World Cup is being held in November and December so, the domestic leagues have no choice but to fit into the season calendar which is much shorter than last year’s. Therefore, having more players in the tournament will give them more chances to rest which will help them physically as well as mentally.
2. Goal Keeper’s Foot On The Line
On 12 June 2022, International Football Association Board made a new rule where goalkeepers have to keep both of their feet on the line while taking penalties. Likewise, the decision was approved by FIFA. Besides matches, the new rule is even implemented on shootouts. Previously, the goalkeeper was allowed to come forward to the line but leave one foot on the line but now, they have to keep both their feet on the line. This can be a major disadvantage to the keeper.
Both feet have to be on the line in penalties.Moreover, goalkeepers have one of the biggest responsibilities in the game and a single disadvantage can harm the whole team. They are the most important individual when it comes to football. In addition, former goalkeeper Petr Cech said,
“Being a goalkeeper is not just any position on the pitch, you fight with every striker’s friend: the ball. You laugh alone, you cry alone, and you defend something that is always on your back. If they say that the goalkeeper was the best of the team is because your team played badly, because your team depends on you, because you depend on them.”
1. Female Referees
For the first time in the history of the World Cup, female referees have been selected for the tournament. Altogether three female referees have been selected for the game alongside 33 other male referees. Even though just three female referees were selected, FIFA has also hired three more female assistant referees. Yoshimi Yamashita, Stéphanie Frappart, and Salima Mukansanga are the referees whereas Karen Díaz Medina, Kathryn Nesbitt, and Neuza Ines Back are the assistant referee.
Yamashita(left), Stephanie(middle), Salima(right).They have made the women’s community proud by being some of the first women to officiate a men’s World Cup and they should be proud of their accomplishments.
