According to the Guardian, as long-distance throw-in tactics are used more frequently, resulting in a reduction in net game time, the International Football Association Board (Ifab) has discussed limiting the time players can take throw-ins in order to increase the actual running time of the ball in the game.
In the Premier League this season, the number of long-distance throw-ins, also known as "grenade tactics," has doubled. This trend has led to a reduction in the actual game time. Football rule makers are considering taking action against this trend.
The new measures introduced this season have limited the time the goalkeeper can hold the ball. If the goalkeeper fails to deliver the ball within 8 seconds, he will be awarded a corner kick to the opponent, and the referee will indicate it with a finger countdown. The Ifab football and technical advisory group discussed the possibility of introducing similar proposals for throw-ins and goal kicks during an online meeting on Tuesday.
There has been a significant increase in the use of grenade tactics in the Premier League this season. This tactic often requires a long preparation like an offensive free kick, resulting in a reduction in the actual game time, which is a key indicator for match managers.
According to statistics from "Stats Perform", in the early weeks of this season, the number of grenade tactics in the Premier League was more than twice that of the entire 24-25 season, with an average of 3.44 times per game, while the average in the 24-25 season was only 1.52 times per game. At the same time, the actual game time in the first 40 games of the season has also dropped significantly, with the average actual game time per game being 54 minutes and 21 seconds, 2 minutes and 13 seconds less than last season.
The Ifab advisory panel also considered changes to other rules, including the possibility of broadening the scope of VAR review: VAR referees can also intervene if they think a second yellow card was wrongly awarded. Currently VAR is only used to determine goals, penalties, mistaken identity and direct red cards.
In addition, Ifab also agreed to further discuss the offside rule, asking officials to consider "based on the characteristics of modern football games, whether those minimal offside penalties should be reduced to encourage more offensive football."
In January next year, IFAB will hold its annual business meeting in London, at which the above-mentioned relevant measures will be discussed.