Explained: Football changes its rules

Football is full of drama. And not always the good kind. The sport is having to deal with walkoffs, weird insults and a World Cup that should come with sunscreen included. 

It’s a lot. But the game’s governing body FIFA is hoping a few rule changes will sort things out. The new rules will take effect at the 2026 World Cup, held in the US, Mexico and Canada. Here’s a quick guide to some of the changes:

#1 Keep on walking

The referee will have the right to issue red cards to players who stage a walkoff. This change comes after Senegal’s national team left the field during the Africa Cup of Nations final in January. 

The team disagreed with a decision to award a penalty to Morocco deep in the second half. The players returned to the field and went on to win the match, but officials later reversed the result, handing the title to Morocco. 

FIFA wants to avoid more chaos at the World Cup. So, if players walk off in protest, they’ll keep walking, all the way to the changeroom. 

#2 Undercover insults 

Players will also face a red card if they cover their mouths while confronting an opponent or match official. 

This may sound odd, but it’s become something of a trend in football. Players cover their mouths with their hands or jerseys so no one can read their lips. This means they can say just about anything without landing in trouble. 

But that’s about to change after a disturbing incident in a European club match earlier this year. Real Madrid’s Vinicius Junior accused Benfica winger Gianluca Prestianni of racism, saying he made abusive comments while covering his mouth with his shirt. 

Officials imposed a six-match ban after Prestianni admitted to abusive language. Three matches fell under a two-year suspension, meaning he will not miss them as long as he does not repeat the offence during that period.  

FIFA president Gianni Infantino wasn’t happy with the punishment, calling for tougher action against players who try to mask their abuse. Football’s rule-making body agreed, approving the changes in April. 

Players will now have to watch their mouths, because any undercover insults will come at a cost. 

#3 Keep your cool 

The World Cup action will be hot. Literally hot. Referees will have to stop the game midway through both halves so players can cool down. That means two water breaks, plus a halftime break, for every match. 

It may sound a little over the top. But there’s method behind the mid-game madness! 

The United States will host three out of every four matches, and scientists say most of the country will face above-average temperatures this summer. 

The National Weather Service has issued a seasonal temperature outlook that covers June, July and August. The forecast suggests there is a 40 to 50% chance of above-average temperatures in eight of the 11 US host cities. 

Fans will have to get used to waiting, and those watching at home will face the prospect of more TV adverts. But that may be better than watching a tournament full of parched players dragging themselves across the pitch. 

Ready. Steady. Rules!  

The new rules will kick in at the opening World Cup match between Mexico and South Africa on June 11. They’ll apply to the World Cup, but FIFA says other tournaments can adopt the changes if they decide they’re necessary. 

Will the changes make the beautiful game more beautiful? That’s up for debate, but if they keep players safe, and they clamp down on abuse, then the game is probably moving in the right direction.