FIFA is testing new football rules aimed at keeping the ball in play longer and making matches more dynamic. These changes are being trialed during an U-15 World Cup competition and could open up new possibilities for the future of the sport.
The proposals include allowing unlimited substitutions, taking throw-ins with the feet instead of the traditional method of using the hands, and modifying the offside rule.
Regarding the latter, an offside offense would only be called if a player crosses a specific line positioned 14 meters from the goal line.
Arsène Wenger, FIFA’s Chief of Global Football Development, highlighted the importance of these changes for younger athletes.
"At this age, the most important thing is to play. When you love a sport, you want to find out how good you are," he stated.
These experiments seek to increase the amount of time the ball is in play and reduce interruptions, while also encouraging young players to participate more actively in matches.