IFAB to consider five-second throw-in limit which could end long throws

Football’s lawmakers are set to discuss a proposal for a strict five-second time limit on throw-ins and goal-kicks which could effectively end the use of long throws as an attacking tactic.

The International Football Association Board (IFAB) will meet in Wales on Saturday for its Annual General Meeting to debate significant changes to the laws of the game.

Proposals designed to crackdown on time-wasting headline the agenda, with the potential introduction of a countdown clock for restarting play drawing particular attention.

If the five-second rule is adopted, it would severely impact teams in the Premier League and EFL who rely on the time-consuming setup required for launching long throws into the penalty area.

VAR powers set for expansion

Beyond restart limits, the governing body is expected to approve an expansion of Video Assistant Referee (VAR) protocols.

Insiders suggest that allowing VAR intervention for second yellow card offences will be passed without significant opposition.

Under current regulations, officials at Stockley Park cannot review whether a second caution was valid, a limitation that has previously led to controversial dismissals standing despite video evidence of error.

This amendment would allow referees to overturn incorrect decisions, such as the dismissal of Nottingham Forest defender Willy Boly against Bournemouth last season.

Disagreement over corner reviews

A more contentious proposal involves allowing video assistants to adjudicate on whether a corner kick should be awarded.

FIFA is understood to be in favour of this expansion, with head of referees Pierluigi Collina advocating that intervention would be limited only to clear and obvious errors.

However, the home nations – comprising the English, Scottish, Welsh, and Northern Irish FAs – are reportedly sceptical of the move.

Mark Bullingham, the FA chief executive, has previously expressed concerns that further expanding the remit of video review could lead to excessive match interruptions.

World Cup trials likely

Any permanent changes to the laws of the game ratified at the meeting would officially come into effect on 1 July.

However, the board holds the power to approve trial periods for specific competitions before global implementation.

It is widely anticipated that FIFA will choose to trial approved changes during the upcoming World Cup in North America this summer.