FIFA are considering bringing in a host of controversial changes to the current football system.
Mundo Deportivo say the world football governing body are looking for ways to improve the game and are trialling a series of different rules in the ‘Future of Football Cup’ youth tournament.
Under 19 sides from PSV, AZ Alkmaar, RB Leipzig and Club Brugge are all partaking in the experiment, which features five key regulations.
Firstly, instead of 90 minutes, games will be made of two 30 minute halves – with the idea of shortened match believed to have been taken from basketball and futsal.
In April, you might remember that Real Madrid president Florentino Perez had hinted at shorter games in the European Super League before its almighty collapse.
FIFA are currently experimenting a new football system with these changes:
🔘 30 minutes a half.
🔘 The game clock stops when the ball goes out of play.
🔘 Unlimited subs.
🔘 Throw-ins played with feet.
🔘 5 minute suspension for a yellow card.(Source: @mundodeportivo)
— Transfer News Live (@DeadlineDayLive) July 17, 2021
The referee will stop his watch whenever the ball gets out of play in attempt to crack down on persistent time-wasting and there will be kick-ins, instead of throw-ins.
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| Image: PA |
Normally, teams are allowed to make three subs – that has of course been extended to five in recent times due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Should these plans go ahead, unlimited substitutions will be permitted across the board.
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| Image: PA |
And then finally, yellow cards will result in a sin bin similar to what is seen in rugby. The offending player would be temporarily suspended for a five-minute period and forced to watch from the sidelines before returning to the pitch.
Upon reading news of potential changes, fans have been very much against the plans:
The first two ideas on this are really good as it pretty much just eliminates time wasting from the game, you’re guaranteed 60 mins of actual football every match. The rest of it is absolute bollocks. https://t.co/cT2MDQI0Tc
— Ste Hoare (@stehoare) July 17, 2021
They just want to kill the beautiful game . What in the actual fuck is this 😔😡
— Osagie (@BoszieKing) July 17, 2021
This is practically the 5-a-side rules with unlimited subs and a time out for yellow cards 😂
— Spike (@SpikeUnited) July 17, 2021
Super league doesn’t sound bad now
— Don Murtough (@LordDanieI) July 17, 2021
WTF is this?? Just bring back the Super League.
— Crni Labud (@CrniiiLabud) July 17, 2021
What part of leave football alone do uefa, Fifa and anyone else not get
— Levy SZN 🏴🇪🇸 (@hotspur1925) July 17, 2021
Game clock stops when ball goes out is the only good one
— ً (@FLX______) July 17, 2021
30 mins a half is awful
— akiii Majiiii (@AkiMaj275) July 17, 2021
It’s worth noting that this is just a trial phase at present and FIFA will assess the success of the changes and decide whether to discuss things further with IFAB.
Featured Image Credit: PA