Explained: Why football lawmakers want to curb long throw-ins

Football lawmakers are focusing on one of the game’s tactical weapons that is in vogue: the long throw-ins.

The International Football Association Board (IFAB), which sets the laws of football, is considering new measures to limit how much time players can take over throw-ins and goal kicks. The move is part of a broader push to keep the ball in play longer.

Why is this being discussed now?

The Premier League has seen a huge growth in the number of long throws this season. According to Statistics performancethe average number of long throws has more than doubled: 3.44 per game this season compared to 1.52 in 2024-2025.

But as players spend extra time drying the ball, waiting for teammates and setting up routines, actual playing time has decreased. The average playing time in the first 40 Premier League games of this season fell to 54 minutes and 21 seconds – more than two minutes less than last year.

What could change?

Ifab’s football and technical advisory panels discussed a proposal to introduce a time limit on throw-ins, similar to the new rule for goalkeepers.

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This season, goalkeepers must release the ball within eight seconds; referees now indicate this countdown with their fingers. If the goalkeeper delays, a corner kick is awarded to the opponent.

A similar rule for throw-ins and goal kicks could soon follow, with referees monitoring delays and potentially penalizing time-wasting.

What else is on Ifab’s agenda?

The virtual meeting also discussed other potential rule changes:

VAR for second yellow cards: Currently VAR can only assess four types of incidents: goals, penalties, mistaken identity and direct red cards. Ifab is considering expanding that scope to include incorrect second yellow cards, which would be a major shift.

Review of the offside law: Officials have been asked to investigate whether the law could be amended to reduce marginal offside signals and encourage more attacking play. That could mean giving attackers the benefit of the doubt in tight situations – an idea put forward by FIFA president Gianni Infantino in recent years.

What happens next?

These proposals are not yet official. They will be discussed again at Ifab’s annual business meeting in London in January.

Published on October 29, 2025