Recently, Pierluigi Collina, Chairman of the FIFA Referees Committee, announced a new football rule that will be trialed at the next Arab Cup.
Collina stated that the new rule requires players who receive medical treatment to stay off the pitch for two minutes, with goalkeepers being the exception. This measure aims to reduce the phenomenon of some teams delaying time to maintain their lead.
As a leading figure in the Referees Committee, Collina has promoted the modernization of global football rules by FIFA, introducing a series of substantive revisions supported by technology. These changes are designed to speed up the game’s pace, enhance transparency, and protect referees.
One key new rule is the "goalkeeper rule," which stipulates that goalkeepers can hold the ball for a maximum of eight seconds. According to the latest decision of the International Football Association Board (IFAB), if a goalkeeper holds the ball for more than eight seconds, the opposing team will be awarded a corner kick instead of the traditional indirect free kick. This change took effect in July to accelerate the game’s rhythm.
Miniature cameras were used for the first time at the 2025 Club World Cup, worn by referees to provide viewers with a unique perspective. Collina said the experience "exceeded expectations," noting that the goal is to allow TV audiences to watch the game from the referee’s viewpoint, as if they were on the pitch themselves.
In addition, the offside detection technology has been updated with an improved semi-automated system. It can faster alert assistant referees if a player is in an offside position and involved in the attack.
