FIFA Considers Reducing Football to 30-Minute Halves
Alongside other rule changes that could dramatically change the sport.
FIFA is reportedly experimenting with new changes to the rules of football, with the controversial ideas each being trialled during the Future of Football Cup youth tournament. The wide-ranging new rules would see the game look almost entirely different from its current iteration, with everything from game lengths to suspensions potentially changing.
One of the most notable changes is the introduction of two 30 minute halves, which would replace the game’s current 90 minute length. This drastic will be supplemented by a new rule meaning that the clock stops whenever the ball goes out of play. Other changes being trialled include unlimited substitutions (up from five or three, depending on the tournament), as well as throw-ins being played with feet and an automatic 5 minute suspension for a yellow card.
The trial will take place at the Netherlands-based tournament featuring youth sides from clubs from across Europe. The Under-19 teams of PSV, AZ Alkmaar, Heerenveen and Club Brugge will all play under the new rules at the upcoming Future of Football Cup, which began last week. FIFA will then analyze the impact of these changes.
In other sports news, Lionel Messi recently ended speculation over his future by signing a new Barcelona contract.
