FIFA introduces significant rule changes for 2026 World Cup to address time-wasting and enhance fairness
via Punch Nigeria3 min read
Ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026, the International Football Association Board has approved a comprehensive set of new rules. These changes, the most extensive in several years, aim to combat time-wasting, clarify existing regulations, and expand VAR powers. Key adjustments include a visible 5-second countdown for throw-ins and goal kicks, with penalties for delays such as possession loss or a corner kick for the opposition. Substitutions will now require the departing player to exit within 10 seconds via the nearest boundary, with delays potentially preventing the replacement from entering until the next stoppage after one minute. Injured outfield players must leave the field and cannot return for one minute after play restarts, with exceptions for serious or head injuries, goalkeeper injuries, and certain penalty situations. VAR's authority is expanded to review incorrect second yellow cards, mistaken identity in carding, wrongly awarded corner kicks, and fouls occurring before set-piece restarts. New disciplinary measures include red cards for players who cover their mouths during confrontations to discourage discriminatory abuse, and for those who leave the field to protest referee decisions. Teams abandoning matches in protest may forfeit, and officials encouraging such actions can face sanctions. Competitions may also permit referees to wear body cameras. Other changes involve new equipment rules, clarification on dropped balls and penalty double touches, and a change t
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Must ReadNigeria's federal government has heightened health screening at airports, seaports, and land borders in response to the ongoing Bundibugyo strain of Ebola virus disease outbreak in East and Central Africa. The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare confirmed there are no current Ebola cases in Nigeria but emphasized activated nationwide preparedness measures. These measures include mandatory temperature checks, health declaration forms, and intensified risk profiling for all incoming travelers. High-risk individuals or those showing symptoms of viral hemorrhagic fevers will undergo secondary screening, isolation, and referral. The government has also reinforced surveillance systems across the country, activated Public Health Emergency Operations Centres, and placed Rapid Response Teams on standby. Healthcare facilities are directed to strengthen infection prevention and control, improve triage systems, and promptly report suspected cases. Nigerians are advised to maintain hand hygiene, avoid contact with symptomatic individuals' bodily fluids, and report unusual illnesses to health authorities. This vigilance echoes past public health responses, including Nigeria's successful containment of the 2014 Ebola outbreak.
Must ReadTeachers in Benue and Adamawa states, members of the Nigeria Union of Teachers, joined nationwide protests against the kidnapping of schoolchildren and teachers in Oyo and Borno States. In Makurdi, Benue, the teachers, led by NUT chairman Levi Akuma, marched through the streets, demanding the immediate rescue of abducted victims and increased security in schools. Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia, represented by Secretary to the State Government Deborah Aber, assured the teachers of ongoing efforts with the Federal Government to ensure school safety and rehabilitate abandoned schools. In Adamawa, protesters barricaded the Government House gate in Yola, carrying placards with messages like "Education under attack" and "Free our teachers and students." They called on security agencies and governments to intensify efforts for the release of all kidnapped teachers and students and to safeguard schools. The rally concluded at the Government House, where Chief of Staff Edgar Amos received the demonstrators. Adamawa NUT chairman Fasial Muhammad expressed concern over persistent attacks on schools and urged urgent government action. Amos reaffirmed the state's commitment to strengthening security and promised to convey their demands to Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri and federal authorities. The solidarity rally was held concurrently across Nigeria.
Must ReadMembers of the Nigeria Union of Teachers NUT in Anambra State joined a nationwide protest on Tuesday, demanding the immediate and unconditional release of their colleagues and students abducted by bandits and terrorists in Oyo and Borno States. The protest, which saw teachers march from the state NUT building in Awka to the Government House, followed directives from the national NUT leadership. The NUT also ordered the withdrawal of services from all primary and secondary school teachers in Oyo State starting June 1, 2026, until further notice. State Chairman of NUT, Chika Chukwudozie, highlighted that seven teachers and 39 pupils/students were kidnapped in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State on May 15, 2026, and over 40 pupils/students were abducted from Mussa Primary and Secondary Schools in Askira Uba Local Government Area of Borno State on the same day. Chukwudozie stated that two colleagues had been murdered in Oyo State and emphasized that classrooms must not become battlefields. The protesters called on both Federal and State Governments to take decisive action, asserting that an attack on teachers is an attack on education and the future of Nigeria. Okechukwu Egbuna, Deputy Chief of Staff to the Anambra State Governor, received the protesters and assured them their message would be delivered to the governor.
The Federal Government has inaugurated an Inter-Ministerial Committee to coordinate activities for the 27th Democracy Day celebration, while paying tribute to the late Chief Moshood Abiola and other heroes of the June 12 struggle. Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, noted that Democracy Day provides an opportunity to reflect on the sacrifices made by Nigerians who fought for democratic governance. Akume described the June 12 anniversary as a significant moment to honor those who contributed to Nigeria’s democratic journey, emphasizing that the democratic values and institutions being strengthened today are founded on their struggles. He paid particular tribute to MKO Abiola, whose sacrifice and commitment led to the recognition of June 12 as Democracy Day. The celebration will also showcase the Federal Government's achievements and reaffirm its commitment to democratic ideals, institutional strengthening, and national development, demonstrating progress made in consolidating democracy and implementing reforms despite socio-economic challenges. The celebration will be "modest but purposeful" in line with fiscal responsibility. Activities include a World Press Conference, Special Juma’at Prayers, an Inter-denominational Church Service, a Democracy Day Public Lecture, Youth and Women-Oriented Programmes, a Presidential Broadcast, a Joint National Assembly Address by President Tinubu, and a Democracy Day Gala Night. The committee, chaired by the SGF, comp