Bahrain rolls out new football regulations

TDT | Manama

Email: mail@newsofbahrain.com

Bahraini football will implement major Law of the Game amendments across domestic competitions, including the Nasser Bin Hamad Premier League. The aim is to develop refereeing standards, improve discipline, and align with international football regulations.

Key changes include:

• Faster substitutions and medical delays: Substituted players must leave within 10 seconds; otherwise, the incoming substitute must wait until the next stoppage after one minute of play. Similar rules apply to players receiving treatment, who must also leave the pitch and stay off for one minute after play resumes (with exceptions under the Laws of the Game).

• Stricter restart timing: A five-second limit will be applied to throw-ins and goal kicks. Exceeding the time results in possession being awarded to the opposing team, aiming to reduce time-wasting and increase effective playing time.

• Expanded VAR authority: VAR can now intervene in clearly incorrect second yellow cards leading to red cards, cases of mistaken identity, and wrongly awarded corner kicks, reducing decisive refereeing errors.

• Anti-abuse protocol: Players are prohibited from covering their mouths to conceal offensive or discriminatory remarks, with potential disciplinary action including red cards.

The Daily Tribune caught up with Ali Al Samahiji, Chairman of the Referees Committee at the Bahrain Football Association, to discuss the matter.

Q: What was the reaction of clubs and coaches to the amendments? A: No formal meetings have been held yet, but expectations are positive. Clubs are likely to cooperate since the changes come from international authorities and align with efforts to improve fairness, discipline, and professionalism in the game.

Q: Do you expect difficulties or objections in implementing the changes? A: Some initial adaptation challenges are expected due to changes in player behavior and match routines. However, no major objections are anticipated as the amendments are internationally approved, and clubs are accustomed to following updated laws of the game.

Q: Which rule change is expected to cause the most debate? A: The expanded VAR authority to review second yellow cards leading to red cards is expected to generate the most discussion, as such situations are often subjective and open to different interpretations by referees, players, and fans.

Q: Will these changes reduce pressure on referees? A: Yes. The amendments are designed to improve fairness, reduce clear refereeing errors, and provide more structured decision-making tools, which should help referees manage matches with greater clarity and less pressure.

Q: How significant is the issue of time-wasting in Bahrain? A: Time-wasting is a global issue, but it is more noticeable in some Bahraini matches due to frequent stoppages that disrupt match rhythm and reduce effective playing time. Addressing it requires cooperation from all stakeholders, including players, coaches, and officials.

Q: Will fans notice an immediate difference? A: Yes. Fans are expected to notice changes early, especially due to stricter restart rules, faster substitutions, and reduced delays, all of which will directly affect match tempo and flow from the first rounds.

Q: What is the biggest challenge for referees in the early stages? A: The main challenge is ensuring smooth adaptation by players and coaching staff while maintaining strict and consistent enforcement of the new rules. Referees will also need to clearly communicate decisions and standardize application across matches until the new system becomes fully familiar.