FOOTBALL’S traditional 45-minute halves could be scrapped in favour of two 30-minute periods, as lawmakers look into rule changes.
The International Football Association Board (Ifab) – football’s rule-making body – are set to propose the revolutionary new idea.
In the potential new format, the clock would be stop as there was any break in play – with Ifab claiming a regular 90-minute match only sees around 60 minutes of playing time.
The idea is one of a host of new proposed changes to the beautiful game in order to address what are perceived to be “negativities” within the sport.
Former Chelsea striker Gianfranco Zola is on board when it comes to reducing the length of matches.
He told the BBC: “I personally like this rule because there are so many teams who try to take advantage of it because they are winning and wasting time.
“So I think it is not a bad rule.
“Football is fast enough. Some of the changes I don’t like very much, but this is a good one.”
One other suggestion would see players NOT being allowed to follow-up on a missed penalty.
The idea would mean no rebounds will be accepted, meaning once the penalty is saved, the ball goes dead and play then restarted.
Other incredible topics up for discussion include the position of goal kicks, “self-passing” at set-pieces, handball rules and when the full-time whistle should be blown.
Leave a comment