A lot has been talked about rule changes to make football more exciting and adapt the game to modern times. However, FIFA’s latest suggestions would do nothing to increase the spectacle and make the games more exciting.
Recently, it’s been talked about adding sin bins to punish players, (which was quickly discarded), making adjustments to the dimensions of the field, and even changing the kick-off format.
Although some advocate for radical changes to the game, there are some alternative approaches that could address the issues surrounding the game without altering football’s fundamental structure. What are these changes that can go a long in making football more interesting? Here are 3 simple changes that football’s rule-makers should seriously consider.
Stopping the clock during stoppage-time intervals
Probably one of the most complex issues that has always troubled the game isn’t necessarily what’s added after normal time, but all the minutes that get lost during the stoppage-time period.
Players, coaches, and fans aren’t properly informed about when the referee will blow for full time and it creates unnecessary tension that affects the match. So rather than completely overhauling the game’s time format, let’s consider a more nuanced solution: stopping the clock during intervals within stoppage-time.
By stopping the clock during stoppage-time intervals (VAR reviews, substitutions, fouls, injuries, or whenever the ball is out of play), both teams will know precisely how much time remains and it would promote more fair play as players will be more reluctant to engage in time-wasting tactics.
It would also create more electrifying and suspenseful moments during critical phases of the match. Most importantly, this could foster a deeper connection between fans and the game, ensuring that everyone is informed and engaged until the final whistle.
In regards to the final whistle, football should adopt the methods used by rugby officials. In rugby, the clock ticks over full-time, but the referee refrains from blowing the final whistle until the last attacking opportunity is complete. Applying a similar principle to football, once the allotted stoppage-time period concludes, referees would allow any ongoing attack to unfold before signaling the conclusion of the match.
An approach that balances precision with fairness, acknowledging that the outcome of a game can hinge on those final moments. Overall, this change would preserve the essence of football while addressing the challenges posed by lost minutes during matches.
Eliminate yellow and red card suspensions
Sometimes, it feels as if the people holding football back are the game’s governing regulators themselves. Fans go all out to support their teams and clubs spend a lot of money to sign top players. However, suspensions of key players due to yellow and red cards can affect teams and lower the excitement of high-stakes matches. Removing this risk would benefit teams, fans, and broadcasters alike.
Removing yellow and red card suspensions means that star players can participate in important games. It would also take the pressure off managers and allow them to play their best players without fear of suspension, leading to more exciting and competitive matches. Additionally, we’d see more skillful play and fair competition as teams would be less likely to take part in tactical gamesmanship that can lead to players provoking opponents who are on the verge of being suspended.
Above all, it is ridiculous to have these sorts of suspensions when tackles and rough challenges are just part of the game. Additionally, certain players may be more likely to receive bookings because of their position on the field. Furthermore, every red card is different and does not necessarily warrant a suspension. Being sent off for denying a clear goal-scoring opportunity is not the same as making a reckless tackle that endangers an opponent’s safety.
Red cards should continue to exist, but they should only be used to punish players for that particular game. If players are to be suspended, it should be for serious offenses where they seriously endanger an opponent’s safety or when they call into question a referee’s integrity. Eliminating automatic yellow and red card suspensions would allow players to play with more freedom and encourage a more open style of play, which would enhance the overall spectator experience.
Penalty shootouts: Takers don’t need to be on the pitch
As we all know, players must remain on the field before the final whistle of extra time is blown to be eligible to take a penalty in the shootout. The same rules apply to goalkeepers, which is why we see managers wait until the last minute of extra time to change their goalkeeper to take part in the penalty shootout.
Something which affects the managers in the latter stages of extra time as they become more concerned about the penalty shootout rather than trying to win the match. In light of these issues, FIFA should seriously consider changing the regulations to allow any squad player to participate in the penalty shootout, regardless of whether they are on the field when the final whistle blows.
Some could argue that allowing anyone to take part would affect a team’s dynamic as players who were substituted or didn’t play might not have the mental capacity for a high-pressure kick. Additionally, this could also see certain managers implement specific tactics to ensure that their best players take part in the shootout. However, others would argue that a penalty shootout is separate from the match results and that any squad player should have the opportunity to take part.
Above all, making this change would significantly improve a match, particularly the extra-time period. During the game, managers won’t need to be concerned after making substitutions for a potential penalty shootout and can solely focus on trying to win the match—something which will spread to the players and encourage them to search for victory in normal time.
Most importantly, even if a game goes into a penalty shootout, managers will be able to pick the players and even the goalkeeper they want to take part in the shootout. Overall, changing this rule would incentivize more attacking play, enhance spectator experience, and ensure that the best players take part in a penalty shootout.
Javier Martinez is a seasoned veteran of football coverage and an expert on Spanish football. He has been covering world football for more than seven years with bylines at outlets such as The 18 and The Real Champs.