SEDIBENG.- Former PSL referee and popular TV analyst Victor Hlungwani has given a firm thumbs up to the new rules set for the Fifa World Cup 2026.

The world football governing body recently announced a series of major changes to speed up the game and stop teams from using stop-and-go tactics. Hlungwane, who earned a reputation as a no-nonsense official during his career, believes these updates are long overdue.

FIFA wants to ensure that the ball stays in play

FIFA is introducing several strict timers to ensure the ball stays in play.

Quick Substitutions: Players being substituted have only 10 seconds to leave the field. If they take longer, their replacement must wait for one minute before entering, leaving their team a man down temporarily.

Throw-ins and Goal Kicks: A 5-second timer will be applied. If a player exceeds this limit, they lose possession, and the decision will be overturned in favour of the opposition.

Medical Attention: Any player treated on the field must leave and wait for one minute before returning, unless the injury was caused by a foul that resulted in a card.

Captain and Referees: Only the team captain is allowed to ask the referee for an explanation. Any other players who surround or confront the official will receive an immediate yellow card.

Hlungwani, now a resident analyst on SABC 1’s Soccer Zone, told Sedibeng Ster Sport that these rules will tackle the serious problem of faking injuries and delaying tactics often encouraged by coaches.

“I give FIFA a thumbs up on these new rules because time-wasting affects the game negatively. This is good for the people who pay to watch football. They will no longer feel cheated by watching players waste time for the whole game.”

According to Hlungwane, these rules are expected to be implemented in domestic leagues before the World Cup begins. He believes the changes will significantly improve the standard of football, noting that fans go to stadiums to see goals and action, not unnecessary delays.

“Fans want to go home satisfied. These rules will ensure they get exactly what they paid for,” Hlungwane concluded.