New World Cup Regulations

*Match Regulations*

Although the soccer rules themselves have not been changed, referee decisions have become largely different now. So-called `fake motions`, which usually exaggerate physical contacts by falling and rolling, are no longer valid.

Rules have strengthened against fake actions, because FIFA referees now regard them as unsporting manner worth yellow cards (warnings), and if severe, immediate red cards (out of game) can also be given.

On the other hand, disciplinary action due to accumulated warnings has softened. The reason is to avoid loss of interest when players are not allowed to play after the final 16 because of warnings they receive in group leagues. The rule has changed so that a yellow card given during group matches is automatically terminated in the final 16. However, two warning during group matches would not allow players to participate in one match of the final 16. Red card would also mean absence from one match.

Also, a new rule has been created to allow `afterward suspension of participation`, when clear injustice is found after match ends through video analysis. Controversial goal-ceremony issue is acknowledged as players’ spontaneous motions, and is permitted on the basis that it does not interfere with the match flow, but certain restriction will be held against commercial, political, and religious expressions when uniform tops are taken off.

Players’ drinking rule has softened as well to allow water or drinks to be taken outside the field.

*Doping*

Drug restriction has become stronger. This World Cup is also to enforce drug tests against 2 random players from each team 15 minutes before the final whistle during a game. The test consists of primary urine test and secondary blood test. Random blood test is now able to detect EPO, which stimulates muscular endurance, by the level of red cells. This is the first time that blood test is to be held at World Cup. FIFA is carrying out crackdown even before the World Cup finals, as it is unexpectedly visiting evaluation matches or training camps for check-up. FIFA has decided to take strong measures against those drugs, which may not be on the official prohibition list but have similar effects.

*Time*

Stadium safety examination, directed by FIFA supervisors, must be completed 3 and a half hours before the match begins. Although opening of stadium is officially 2 and a half hours prior to kick-off, it is to be done 3 hours before considering strict identity inquiry for entrance tickets.

Participating teams’ starting-list distribution and submission must be done 1 hour and 10 to 20 minutes before kick-off. Players may start warming up 45 minutes before the game, and goalkeepers may come out 5 minutes earlier than others. Until 10 minutes before the match, each team’s coaching staff must be seated at appointed seats. There is also a rule that each team’s players are obliged to be open to the press during official practice time.

*Entry*

Each team’s final list now includes one more entry than before, 23 now. Staff has also been increased by 4 more individuals from 18 to 22. The entire team has 5 more individuals in total now, increasing from 40 to 45. Each team must deal with the cost for the expansion. Increased entry among players is a measure for cases of goalkeeper’s injury, which was a preparatory measure at the France World Cup. Also, each team’s back-number 1 is limited to goalkeepers. The number of individuals, who could sit at bench, including coaches and staff, has now increased from 7 to 10. In case of players’ injury, entry substitution is limited to `24 hours before the first match begins`, while the previous rule was `before the first finals match`. Substitution remains at 3 players as before.

*Audience*

Entrance with long umbrellas, which can threaten other spectators, PETE bottles, paper bags, and dry-frozen food is prohibited. Entrance regulation has strengthened to prevent hooligans and terror attacks. Cheering squads are also prohibited from laser pens, colored papers, particular religious and political phrases, or banners. Although alcohol is banned by principle, FIFA has allowed the World Cup’s official sponsor Budweiser to sell one cup (350 ml) of beer per spectator.

stt77@donga.com