Overview
- The KNVB has put a package of anti‑time‑wasting measures into immediate effect for 2026/27 and will debut them in the Johan Cruyff Shield while English refereeing authorities will trial equivalent rules across the professional men’s and women’s game.
- Referees will use a visible five‑second countdown for goal‑kicks and throw‑ins and will reverse possession if play is not restarted in time, turning goal‑kicks into corners and awarding throw‑ins to the opponent.
- Substitution exits are strictly timed: a player must leave via the nearest exit within ten seconds or the incoming substitute will be barred for at least one minute and the team will play temporarily with a reduced side.
- Outfield players treated on the pitch must remain off for a minimum of 60 seconds, goalkeepers and players with serious or foul‑caused injuries are excepted, and VAR has been given extra powers to correct wrongly awarded corners, review second‑yellow incidents and flag mistaken identity before restart.
- Officials say the measures follow successful World Cup trials but they will be actively monitored after early reports of players seeking workarounds and to assess effects on player welfare, game flow and tactics.