MLS has said enough: the new rule that all leagues should remember

The MLSThe United States professional soccer league, introduced this Thursday a new rule that limits the time available to a player to leave the field of play when he is substituted for 10 seconds, and, if not, his club has to play at least 60 seconds with one man less before the change is complete.

The new rule was approved by the MLS Owners Council and will apply starting in the 2024 season, along with other developments affecting different parts of the game. “If the player does not leave the field from any point within 10 seconds, the incoming player must undergo a 60 second waiting period, before entering the next delay. During the waiting period and before the substitution , the team will play with one man less. Exceptions to the rule include injuries and goalkeeper substitutions,” MLS reported.

This rule was successfully tested in the last season of MLS NEXT Pro. 99.7% of over 3,200 exchanges were completed in 10 seconds or less. Another notable change concerns the lights, which will run until the end of each half and include the minutes and seconds of extra time.

Stadium loudspeakers will announce VAR decisions

Normally, stadium stopwatches stop at the 45th and 90th minute and footballers and fans cannot see how much time is left until the match actually ends. Pending approval from the International Football Association Board (IFAB), MLS plans to have VAR decisions announced over stadium public address systems.

MLS continues to invest resources in the health care of football players and will include, starting in 2024, the so-called Off-Field Treatment Rule, which “allows medical professionals to have time to evaluate and treat players off the field of play in a timely manner.” less pressured environment”.

“If a player with a suspected injury remains on the ground for more than 15 seconds, the referee will stop play and send the medical team to the field to evaluate the player. When it is safe, the player will be removed and remain on off the field for a period of time. at least two minutes for further evaluation and treatment,” MLS reported.