Michael Olise first to fall into World Cup 2026 new trap: and it has repercussions

The 2026 World Cup will bring rule changes with it. In an attempt by FIFA to speed up games and increase actual playing time, friendlies have already featured some of the “sanctions” that will be applied at the tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Among them, substitutions will be timed strictly to prevent delays.

What rule did France break in friendly?

In the friendly against Northern Ireland, France fell foul of the 10-second rule requiring a player being substituted to leave the field quickly. And it was Michael Olise, one of the players of the moment – and the man who grabbed a hat-trick in the game – who was caught in the “trap” set by world soccer’s governing body.

The Bayern Munich player, during a double substitution made by Didier Deschamps in the 82nd minute, took longer than allowed to leave the field, and that hurt one of his teammates. The winger, who went off alongside Tchouaméni, made way for Akliouche and Manu Koné.

However, the attacker’s delay of more than 10 seconds meant the Roma midfielder had to wait before coming on.

The consequence of the late exit was that Koné had to remain behind the touchline for more than a minute before he could come on, until play was stopped again. In the end, the incident had no consequences for France, despite having to wait for one of its internationals while playing with one fewer man on the field.

This rule joins others such as the five-second limit for throw-ins and goal kicks, as well as the requirement for players who receive treatment to leave the field and remain off for one minute before returning. The aim is to make games more dynamic and keep the ball in play for longer.

It’s going to be interesting...

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