December 15, (THEWILL) – Major League Soccer has approved new measures designed to increase the pace of matches for the 2023/2024 season. The rules, focusing on injury stoppages and substitutions, were given the green light at a meeting of the MLS Board of Governors on December 14.
The headline change will see a new injury protocol introduced across the United States’ top professional football league. Referees will now halt play when a player stays down injured for 15 seconds or more. The player will then be removed for treatment off the pitch for at least two minutes before being allowed to return. This rule, already successfully trialled in the MLS Next Pro developmental league, aims to significantly reduce stoppages.
Another change will enforce speedier substitutions. Players exiting the pitch must now do so within 10 seconds. Failure to leave on time will mean the incoming substitute must wait 60 seconds, temporarily leaving their team a player down. Exceptions exist for injury replacements and goalkeeper changes.
Other updates include in-stadium Video Assistant Referee (VAR) announcements, pending approval from the International Football Association Board (IFAB). This will see referees communicate VAR decisions directly to the fans at the stadium.
The raft of new measures looks set to increase the entertainment factor and flow of MLS matches next season. Fans and players alike will hope that this translates into faster, more enjoyable games.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
