ASEAN Hyundai Cup 2026 will officially implement several of the new laws that were introduced during the FIFA World Cup 2026, with tournament organisers having already informed all participating national associations ahead of the regional championship.
The updated regulations are aimed at reducing time-wasting, improving the flow of matches, and enhancing the role of Video Assistant Referees (VAR).
Five-Second Limit Introduced
One of the biggest changes concerns the speed of restarting play.
Players taking a throw-in must now restart the game within five seconds. Failure to do so will result in possession being awarded to the opposing team for a throw-in.
Similarly, goal kicks must also be taken within five seconds. Any delay beyond the time limit will see the opposing team awarded a corner kick.
Substituted Players Must Leave Quickly
Players being substituted will be required to leave the field within 10 seconds.
If they fail to do so, the incoming substitute must wait at least one minute on the touchline before being allowed to enter the match, and only when play has stopped.
The regulation is designed to eliminate deliberate delays during substitutions.
Injured Players Must Stay Off for One Minute
Any outfield player receiving treatment from medical staff on the pitch must remain off the field for one minute before returning to action.
However, exceptions apply in the following situations: Goalkeepers, Head injuries, Cases where an opponent receives a yellow or red card
Penalty situations involving the injured player as the designated penalty taker
No Tactical Team Talks During Injury Stoppages
Teams will no longer be permitted to conduct tactical discussions while an injured player is receiving treatment on the pitch.
Referees have been granted authority to prevent or stop any coaching intervention during these stoppages, with teams risking disciplinary action if they violate the rule.
Expanded VAR Powers
The ASEAN Hyundai Cup will also introduce an expanded VAR protocol.
Video officials will now be able to Review potential second yellow-card offences, Correct wrongly awarded corner kicks, Check foul incidents occurring before a corner kick is given.
The enhanced responsibilities are expected to improve decision-making accuracy throughout the tournament.
Mouth-Covering Gesture Could Result in Red Card
Players who intentionally cover their mouths while confronting opponents during heated exchanges could now face a straight red card.
Referees will use their discretion when judging such incidents.
The law does not apply to normal conversations between teammates or tactical discussions conducted without confrontation.
Walk-Offs Carry Severe Punishment
Any player or team official who deliberately stages a walk-off during a match may be shown a red card immediately.
If the match cannot continue because of the walk-off, the offending team will forfeit the game.
Hydration Breaks Not Included
Unlike the FIFA World Cup, hydration breaks will not be implemented during the ASEAN Hyundai Cup 2026.
VAR Can Resume Immediately After Technical Issues
Another notable adjustment concerns technical failures involving VAR.
Previously, if the VAR system malfunctioned during a match, it could not be used again until the next half.
Under the new regulations, once the technical issue has been resolved, VAR may be reactivated immediately, without waiting until half-time or the end of the match.
Credit Photo : FA Thailand
