Maltese football is set for significant change this season following the introduction of several amendments to the Laws of the Game, with the primary aim of reducing time-wasting, increasing effective playing time and improving the flow of matches.
For years, one of the biggest criticisms of the domestic game has been the amount of time the ball is actually in play. Effective playing time in Maltese football has regularly fallen below the 40-minute mark during a 90-minute match, with repeated stoppages, slow restarts and delaying tactics disrupting the spectacle. The latest law changes are designed to address exactly that.
One of the biggest amendments targets time-wasting at goal kicks and throw-ins. Referees can now begin a visible five-second countdown if they believe a team is delaying a restart. Should the countdown expire, a delayed throw-in will be awarded to the opposition. In contrast, a delayed goal kick will result in a corner kick being awarded against the defending side.
Substitutions have also become much stricter. Once the substitution process begins, the player leaving the field has just 10 seconds to exit the pitch. Failure to do so means the incoming substitute must wait until the next stoppage after one full minute has elapsed, leaving the team temporarily playing with 10 players.
Players receiving medical treatment on the field must now remain off the pitch for one minute after play restarts, except for the specific exceptions already provided for within the Laws of the Game.
Several other amendments will also come into force this season.
If a penalty taker accidentally touches the ball twice and the penalty is scored, it will now be retaken. If the ball does not enter the goal, the penalty is considered missed and play will restart with an indirect free-kick to the defending team.
Referees have also been given greater flexibility when applying the advantage rule. If an incorrectly taken restart benefits the non-offending team, the referee may now allow play to continue instead of stopping the game to order the restart to be retaken.
There has also been a change to denying an obvious goalscoring opportunity (DOGSO). If a referee plays advantage following a DOGSO offence and a goal is subsequently scored, the offending player will no longer be sent off, as the attacking team has ultimately received the benefit of the goal. In addition, referees will now also consider the positions of attacking players when assessing whether a DOGSO offence has occurred.
The regulations surrounding jewellery have also been relaxed. Certain items may now be permitted if they are deemed safe or properly covered, although potentially dangerous accessories, such as watches, remain prohibited. The final decision rests entirely with the referee.
The amendments are expected to have a significant impact on Maltese football, where lengthy goal kicks, slow throw-ins, prolonged substitutions and repeated stoppages have often reduced the tempo of matches.
Teams will now be forced to restart play much quicker, while coaches and players will need to adapt their game management. Referees, meanwhile, will be responsible for applying the new laws consistently from the opening weekend of the season.
One aspect that has surprised many is that, despite four Maltese clubs competing in UEFA competitions this summer under these new Laws of the Game, no formal briefing was held before their European fixtures. According to the MFA Referees Committee, none of the participating clubs requested a meeting or explanation regarding the amendments.
Instead, the new laws will be presented to all Maltese clubs during meetings scheduled for 8 and 9 August ahead of the start of the domestic competitions.
If enforced consistently, the amendments could mark one of the most significant changes to Maltese football in recent years. More importantly, supporters may finally witness considerably more effective playing time, with matches expected to be played at a higher tempo and with fewer unnecessary interruptions than in previous seasons.
