If a referee believes a throw-in or goal kick is taking too long or is being deliberately delayed, a five-second visual countdown will begin. Should the ball not be back in play by the end of the countdown, the throw-in will be awarded to the opposition. The timer will also apply to substituted players, who must leave the pitch within 10 seconds of the board being raised. The investigation has been complicated by Prestianni covering his mouth with his shirt while speaking to Vinicius. IFAB will also conduct trials aimed at curbing ‘tactical timeouts’, particularly those prompted by goalkeepers receiving on-field treatment.

Source: Daily Mail February 28, 2026 15:26 UTC