FIFA emphasizes match tempo and time-wasting limits at World Cup

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: May 31, 2026, 7:19 PM

Last updated May 31, 2026

FIFA emphasizes match tempo and time-wasting limits at World Cup

Summary

As the World Cup approaches, FIFA has announced that match tempo and limiting time-wasting will be key focuses for on-field officials. These measures come in advance of the 48-team tournament set to begin in less than two weeks. FIFA's chief refereeing officer, Pierluigi Collina, stated the objective is to reduce disruptions during matches significantly. Additionally, referees are urged to issue red cards for players who cover their mouths while conversing in confrontational situations.

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Key Details

•World Cup starts in under two weeks.
•FIFA emphasizes maintaining match tempo.
•New rules aim to limit time-wasting strategies.
•Red cards will be issued for players covering their mouths.
•Pierluigi Collina leads the refereeing committee's initiatives.

Latest Updates

7:19 PMYahoo Sports — FIFA says match tempo, and limiting time-wasting, will be point of emphasis at World Cup

What they're saying

"
FIFA's on-field officials for the World Cup will insist on keeping matches moving by taking rule changes designed to limit time-wasting seriously, the sport's governing body said Sunday with the start of the 48-team tournament now less than two weeks away. Also among the points of emphasis for referees and officials: a commitment to issuing red cards to any player who covers his mouth while talking to an opponent in a “confrontational situation," FIFA said. “We are continuing on trying to achieve an objective, which is to eliminate from matches — as much as possible — the disruption of the tempo of the match," said Pierluigi Collina, FIFA chief refereeing officer and chair of the referees committee.
— Yahoo Sportsby TIM REYNOLDS

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Yahoo SportsMay 31, 2026, 7:19 PM
FIFA says match tempo, and limiting time-wasting, will be point of emphasis at World Cup
FIFA's on-field officials for the World Cup will insist on keeping matches moving by taking rule changes designed to limit time-wasting seriously, the sport's governing body said Sunday with the start of the 48-team tournament now less than two weeks away. Also among the points of emphasis for referees and officials: a commitment to issuing red cards to any player who covers his mouth while talking to an opponent in a “confrontational situation," FIFA said. “We are continuing on trying to achieve an objective, which is to eliminate from matches — as much as possible — the disruption of the tempo of the match," said Pierluigi Collina, FIFA chief refereeing officer and chair of the referees committee.

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