The Malta Football Association has announced a number of changes to football regulations, stipulated by FIFA, aimed at making matches faster and reducing unnecessary delays.
The measures introduce stricter time limits for substitutions, restarts and treatment of injured players.
Under the new substitution procedure, a player being replaced must leave the pitch within 10 seconds. If the player takes longer than the allotted time, the substitute will have to remain outside the pitch for at least one minute and can only enter when the ball is out of play after that period.
Referees will also have greater discretion when dealing with delays in restarting play, with an approximate five-second period being applied in certain situations.
If a player takes too long to take a throw-in, the referee may award possession to the opposing team. Similarly, if a goalkeeper or player takes too long to take a goal kick, the referee may award a corner to the opposition.
The MFA said these measures will apply when it is evident that a player or team is deliberately attempting to waste time in order to gain an advantage.
Injured players
New measures will also apply when players receive treatment on the pitch.
If a player or players receive medical assistance on the pitch, or play is stopped because of an injury, the affected player must leave the field for a minimum of one minute of effective playing time.
Five-second rule for restarts
Teams will also have to restart play more promptly following stoppages.
If a team takes too long to restart from a throw-in or goal kick, the referee will warn that only five seconds remain to resume play. If the restart is not taken within that period, possession will be awarded to the opposing team.
The Malta Football Association said it continues to support regulations aimed at making football more fluid and reducing unnecessary loss of playing time.
Sports Editor
Veteran Journalist
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