5-Second Countdown for Throw-ins & Goal Kicks
Referees now use a visible 5-second countdown when a team is delaying a throw-in or goal kick. Miss the countdown and you lose possession — or concede a corner.
No time limit on taking throw-ins or goal kicks. Yellow card was the only deterrent for time-wasting.
5-second visual countdown. Throw-in not taken in time → awarded to opponents. Goal kick not taken in time → corner kick to opponents.
What changed
Previously, time-wasting at throw-ins and goal kicks was only punishable by a yellow card, which referees rarely showed. Now the referee whistles, raises a hand and counts down visually. If the throw-in is not taken in time, it switches to the opposing team. If the goal kick is not taken in time, the opposing team gets a corner kick.
Why it matters for the World Cup
This will be highly visible at the World Cup. Expect to see referees counting down with their hands in the air. Teams that waste time at restarts will lose possession immediately rather than just getting a warning.
Scenarios
Team wastes time at throw-in while winning
A team is winning 1-0 in the 88th minute and deliberately delays taking a throw-in.
Goalkeeper delays goal kick
The goalkeeper places the ball for a goal kick but keeps adjusting it and walking away slowly.