The International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) announced the adoption of a new mechanism to be implemented during the upcoming Arab Cup competitions, in an effort to reduce time-wasting.

The new mechanism involves excluding any player who receives treatment on the field for two minutes after leaving, causing their team to play temporarily with one player fewer during that period.

According to the new regulations, if a medical team enters the field to treat any player, the referee will be required to temporarily suspend that player for two minutes, during which time their team will play with only ten players.

FIFA has set clear exceptions to the new mechanism, including the goalkeeper, who will not be subject to temporary dismissal due to the importance and uniqueness of their position. Additionally, a player who is injured as a result of a challenge that led to a yellow or red card against the opponent is also exempt.

This step is considered one of the most prominent recent measures through which the international federation seeks to develop the rules of the game and reduce instances of cheating and time-wasting.