Arab Cup 2025: FIFA tests a groundbreaking rule against time-wasting ( Official )

FIFA implements a new rule to counter time-wasting

Pierluigi Collina / @x.com/mahmutuslu1907

Italian Pierluigi Collina, chairman of the FIFA Referees Committee, has announced in media statements the adoption of a new refereeing rule that will be implemented for the first time during the 2025 Arab Cup in Qatar, which is set to kick off this Monday, December 1.

The “two-minute rule” officially introduced

This measure, focused on injury management, is part of the international body’s efforts to reduce simulation and curb time-wasting.

According to Collina’s explanations on Qatari channel Al-Kass, any player requiring medical attention will have to leave the pitch for two minutes after play resumes. This obligation does not apply if the injury was caused by a challenge that resulted in a yellow or red card, nor does it apply if the injured player is the goalkeeper.

FIFA hopes this rule will help clamp down on unsporting behavior, speed up the game, and maintain a high tempo, especially in light of the increasing number of unjustified stoppages.

In the same vein, Tunisian international Ferjani Sassi praised this change, calling it a positive step that could increase the pace of matches and generate more chances and goals.

He also stated that the Tunisian squad supports any initiative aimed at improving football and limiting unnecessary interruptions.