The restrictions also extend to what fans can take into the stadiums. FIFA banned reusable water bottles from entering World Cup venuesjustifying the measure on safety grounds and the risk of objects being thrown onto the lawn or benches. After the controversy generated by the decision, the organization ended up allowing one disposable, factory-sealed bottle and up to 590 milliliters per personkeeping reusable or rigid containers prohibited. The decision has been criticized due to the high temperatures predicted in several host cities, raising concerns regarding hydration and well-being of fans.
The changes off the field are not the only ones, however. Within the four lines, FIFA wants to combat anti-gambling and increase the useful time of the ball in play.
Substituted players now have just ten seconds to leave the pitch. If they exceed this limit, the substitute will have to wait a minute before entering, temporarily leaving the team reduced to ten players.
Also the Throw-ins and goal kicks are now subject to a five-second countwhenever arbitrators identify excessive delays. If the throw-in is not taken within the time limit, possession may pass to the opponent or result in a corner kick.
Another relevant change involves medical assistance. Field players receiving treatment will have to remain off the pitch for one minute after the match resumes.except for exceptions provided for in the regulations, in an attempt to avoid strategic interruptions. Furthermore, Goalkeeper injuries can no longer serve as improvised tactical breakspreventing coaches from taking advantage of these moments to transmit instructions to the team.
Among the disciplinary news is also a rule that promises to generate debate. Players who deliberately cover their mouths during confrontations or arguments on the field may be sanctioned with a straight red card.a measure introduced following recent controversies involving allegations of discriminatory insults that were impossible to verify due to the concealment of lips. The change was driven by the case involving Gianluca Prestianni and Vinícius Júnior, in a European meeting between Benfica and Real Madrid, at the beginning of the year.
The video referee also gains more influence. The VAR is now able to review situations previously beyond its reachincluding incorrectly shown second yellow cards, misidentification of the punished player and clearly mis-taken corners.
At the disciplinary level, yellow cards will be canceled at two points in the competition: at the end of the group stage and after the quarter-finalsreducing the risk of suspensions in decisive stages of the tournament.
As the world wakes up to the biggest World Cup ever, Portugal leaves this Friday for the United Statesafter the preparatory matches against Chile and Nigeria. The national team will be based in Palm Beach, Florida, and will debut in Group K on June 17, against the Democratic Republic of Congo, in Houston.
