FIFA has announced a series of groundbreaking trials for the upcoming Club World Cup, introducing innovative changes aimed at enhancing the flow and fairness of football matches. The governing body confirmed its intention to trial referee bodycams, a move that promises to bring more transparency to officiating during the tournament. Alongside this, FIFA will implement the Video Support (VS) system, which allows coaches to challenge decisions made by referees twice per match. This trial is particularly beneficial for competitions lacking resources for a full Video Assistant Referee (VAR) setup.
The VS system, designed for tournaments with minimal camera setups, allows coaches to question decisions, losing a challenge if the original call is upheld. The system's introduction marks a significant step towards ensuring fair play, especially in less resourced competitions. These advancements are part of FIFA's broader strategy to leverage technology in making the game more equitable.
In parallel, the International Football Association Board (IFAB) has agreed to expand trials of the 'daylight rule' for offsides. This rule aims to offer broadcasters an additional replay angle, potentially enhancing the viewing experience. Sources close to FIFA suggest that trials of the 'daylight' offsides could occur at this summer's Club World Cup, further emphasizing FIFA's commitment to trialling innovative solutions.
The eight-second rule, previously tested in Premier League 2 and competitions in Malta and Italy, will see goalkeepers concede a corner if they hold onto the ball for more than eight seconds. This rule replaces the six-second rule and will become effective from the start of the 2025-26 season. The new law has been supported by former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger, who believes it fosters attacking play by discouraging time-wasting.
"You can see it has a significant impact on goalkeeper behaviour," said Patrick Nelson.
Referees will receive instructions to count down the final five seconds with a raised hand as a reminder to goalkeepers about the time limit. Despite strict enforcement in trials, only four incidents of penalization have occurred, highlighting the rule's effectiveness in adjusting player behavior.
"Some action has been taken on that. The results of (the trials) have been very, very positive, and so we are going to move forward to try and put that into the laws of the game as soon as possible," added Patrick Nelson.
The trial of referee bodycams at the Club World Cup marks another significant development. This initiative is expected to increase transparency and accountability in refereeing, allowing for better understanding and trust in decision-making processes during matches.
FIFA secretary general Mattias Grafstrom confirmed the organization's intent to apply these new regulations at its inaugural 32-team Club World Cup in the United States this summer. This event will serve as a crucial platform for evaluating these rules before potentially implementing them more widely in future tournaments.
Another proposed change under consideration involves awarding corners when goalkeepers delay dead ball goal kicks excessively. This adjustment seeks to further reduce time-wasting and encourage continuous play throughout matches.
"Law change something players have been asking for," noted Rob Harris.
These developments align with FIFA's strategic aim of enhancing match dynamics and viewer engagement through technological innovation and rule adjustments. The introduction of referee bodycams and systems like VS reflect FIFA's dedication to adopting modern solutions that address contemporary challenges in football.
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