Have a look at what is the new upcoming “game clock” rule as FIFA is all set for new regulations to prevent time wasting in football and the rules meaning explained
To level the playing field and reduce time wastage, FIFA is seriously considering imposing a new “game clock” rule that would stop the clock when the ball leaves the field of play.
Football is a stop-start game despite being frequently referred to as a sport with freedom of movement. The quantity of restarts throughout added time serves as an example of this.
Explained what is game clock, the new FIFA rule being considered to stop time wasting in football and its meaning
There were at least 10 minutes of extra time mentioned for the England vs. Iran game. The ball was in play for an average of 42 seconds at a time throughout the first 9:04 of this, with nine timeouts.
Later, after a stoppage of 3:26 and a VAR check, a penalty was assessed with 56 seconds remaining.
🚨 FIFA are seriously considering a new "game clock" rule in football, where the clock stops when the ball goes out of play.
Their hope is that it will put an end to time-wasting.
(Source: @marca) pic.twitter.com/EyOCBe1vkv
— Transfer News Live (@DeadlineDayLive) March 3, 2023
This new modification has been suggested in the wake of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, where teams made full use of time-wasting tactics, resulting in games lasting longer than necessary.
FIFA is anticipated to present the idea at the International Football Association Board meeting that will take place in London the following week. Both fans and industry experts have argued against and criticised this choice.
The FIFA World Cup’s debate over time-wasting and the amount of play in the Premier League gave birth to the “game clock” rule.
The game between Arsenal and Newcastle, which ended 0-0, reportedly lasted 43 minutes with the ball in play, which leads the governing bodies to believe the new regulation is even more needed.
FIFA set to retain 4-team group format for 2026 World Cup
FIFA has chosen to maintain the four-team group structure in anticipation of the next 2026 World Cup, which will be played in the US, Canada, and Mexico.
FIFA aims to maintain the format’s popularity as it has been since its introduction. To reduce the likelihood of clubs playing games to eliminate one another from the competition, the final two games in each group have been played on the same day since 1998.
In the group stages, 32 teams will compete, and 16 of those teams will move on to the knockout phases. In March 2024, the first round of world cup qualifying is expected to start.