World Cup five-second restart rule explained as Canada awarded tournament’s first reverse throw-in

FIFA and IFAB have introduced several rule changes at this World Cup, all aimed at speeding up play and maintaining match rhythm.

The main focus is cutting down time-wasting. Substitutions are now timed, injured players may have to wait before returning to the pitch, and referees have more authority to punish slow restarts.

That final change was quickly put into practice during Canada’s 1-1 draw against Bosnia and Herzegovina. In the second half, Bosnia left-back Sead Kolasinac took too long over a throw-in, and Canada were handed the ball.

The incident happened as Bosnia and Herzegovina were preparing to resume play from the touchline. Kolasinac delayed the throw, the referee applied the new standard, and Canada were given possession.

The rule is designed to stop teams wasting time at throw-ins and goal kicks. It does not mean every restart is limited to five seconds, as the referee first has to decide that a player is intentionally slowing the game down.

Once that call is made, a visible five-second countdown begins. If the throw-in is not taken before the countdown ends, the throw-in is given to the other team.

Goal kicks carry an even harsher penalty: if the defending team fails to restart in time, the opposition are awarded a corner.

It is a small but significant change, as sides protecting a lead can no longer assume slow restarts will only bring a warning.