FIFA reportedly considering a new 'game clock' rule in football to put an end to time-wasting

FIFA are reportedly considering a new 'game clock' rule in football in a bid to end time-wasting.

The bold idea comes after the 2022 World Cup produced some of the longest games on record after FIFA instructed fourth officials to keep track of time to reduce time-wasting.

READ MORE: Fans are only just realising the amount of time the ball spends in play in the Premier League

But it appears the football governing body will go one step further by introducing a major new rule to maximise playing time.

According to Spanish outlet Marca, FIFA are seriously considering a new 'game clock' rule, where the clock stops when the ball goes out of play.

14 minutes of additional time allocated for a World Cup match. Image: Alamy

The idea raised by Gianni Infantino is FIFA's latest ploy to put an end to time-wasting during matches.

The option is on the table and will be debated at next weekend's International Football Association Board meeting in London.

Fans on social media are divided over the reported change.

One Twitter user wrote: "As I always say... there’s a lot to learn from American sports. Timeouts should also be introduced, will make the game more tactical."

A second bemoaned: "Clock stops when there's a major injury and stoppage is what makes sense. Stopping the clock every time the ball goes out of play is an overkill."

A third questioned: "Would be very good but surely it messes up the broadcast schedule, if there’s a huge injury on super Sunday 2pm that will hold back the next game."

A fourth said: "This is all well and good but an 8pm kick off could go on till 1am if NBA is anything to go by."

Another commented: "All these new rules are ruining the game."

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