Conmebol has officially implemented strict “anti-delay tactics” rules in its continental competitions. The changes, aimed at increasing playing time, will debut upon the return of the Libertadores and Sudamericana.
South American football enters a new era of agility starting this July. In a strategic move to elevate the spectacle, Conmebol has confirmed it will adopt the refereeing guidelines tested at the World Cup, focusing directly on combating “delaying tactics” and reducing interruptions that often frustrate passionate fans.
The new regulations, ratified by the IFAB (International Football Association Board), aim to ensure the ball stays in play for longer. This measure directly impacts the decisive stages of the Libertadores and Sudamericana, presenting an extra challenge for clubs that often use “time management” to hold onto results.
Goodbye to Unsporting Conduct
The main change involves timed control. From now on, referees will have the authority to penalize slowness in throw-ins and goal kicks. If the ball is not put back into play within five seconds, the punishment will be severe: the throw-in will be awarded to the opposing team, or in the case of a goal kick, a corner kick will be granted.
Additionally, substitution time has been limited to 10 seconds. If the player being substituted takes too long to leave the field, their replacement will only be allowed to enter the game after a one-minute delay, leaving the team temporarily with one less player.
“The adoption of these measures aims to improve match fluidity, reduce interruptions, and reinforce fair play among participants,” the organization stated in its official release.
What Was Left Out
Despite the innovations, not all of the IFAB‘s recommendations were embraced by Conmebol. The organization opted not to implement, at this time, the so-called “Vini Jr. Rule.” This rule, which mandates a direct red card for any player covering their mouth during discussions with opponents, was conceived after racist incidents involving the Brazilian star but will not be part of the continental regulations for now.
More Agility with Technology
Another point that promises to generate controversy, but also greater fairness, is the expanded role of the VAR. Video referees will now have the freedom to intervene in quick plays from corners or goal kicks, without the obligation to move to the monitor on the sidelines, and will also be able to review potential errors on second yellow cards leading to expulsion.
These changes reinforce Conmebol‘s commitment to modernizing football in South America. For fans, the expectation is to see more dynamic and less fragmented matches in the upcoming phases of the continent’s most important competitions. It remains to be seen how teams will adapt to the pressure of the clock in the decisive moments of the return legs.
