MLS announces changes for the 2024 season

The 2023 Major League Soccer season was action-packed and full of stories both on and off the field, highlighted by a record-breaking transfer market including Inter Miami signing Lionel Messi, along with his old teammates and friends, Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba. Additionally, the season saw a record attendance at stadiums, and Columbus Crew snatched the crown from LAFC in a thrilling final. Now, the MLS Owners Council has announced new sporting rules that will come into effect in the 2024 season, as announced on their website.

New sporting initiatives for MLS 2024

Off-field treatment

This rule allows the medical team to evaluate any player off the pitch to ensure that no time is wasted during the match. “If a player with a suspected injury remains on the ground for more than 15 seconds, the referee will stop play and wave the medical crew onto the field to evaluate the player. When safe, the player will be removed from the field and remain off the field for a minimum of two minutes for further assessment and treatment.,” the statement reads.

Substitutions timed

This rule states that the player being substituted has 10 seconds to leave the field from any point. If this is not adhered to, the substitute will be penalized with a 60-second wait time, meaning the team will play with one less player during this period.

Visible VAR in stadiums

Once approved by the International Football Association Board (IFAB), stadiums will display VAR decisions on their screens.

Stoppage time visuals

“Scoreboard, video boards, and/or stadium clocks will run until the completion of each half, including any additional time at the end of either the first or second half (ex: 95:04),” the statement indicates.

Equality when returning to play

If two players from opposing teams suffer a hard tackle or a head collision requiring medical attention, they will return to the field at the same time to avoid numerical inequality.