Story perspectives

New substitution rule sparks controversy, disallowed goal, IFAB updates cards

7/15/2026

Summary

Story summary

The substitution rule, effective 1 July 2026, forces a player off within 10 seconds of the referee’s signal, sparking disputes.
Officials ignored Egypt’s Mostafa Ziko’s shirt-removal yellow card and did not suspend play for homophobic chants.
Croatia’s equaliser versus Portugal was disallowed after a sensor recorded Igor Matanovic’s hair touching the ball.
IFAB’s amendment rescinded Tim Ream’s yellow, booked Miguel Almirón for simulation, and gave Breel Embolo a second yellow.

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Story summary

The substitution rule, effective 1 July 2026, forces a player off within 10 seconds of the referee’s signal, sparking disputes.
Officials ignored Egypt’s Mostafa Ziko’s shirt-removal yellow card and did not suspend play for homophobic chants.
Croatia’s equaliser versus Portugal was disallowed after a sensor recorded Igor Matanovic’s hair touching the ball.
IFAB’s amendment rescinded Tim Ream’s yellow, booked Miguel Almirón for simulation, and gave Breel Embolo a second yellow.