Will MLS revolutionise football? New rules to be tested in the US to combat simulation and stalling

Simulation and stalling. Two great evils that do not have a good effect on football or its reputation. Unfortunately, they cannot be eradicated even after the introduction of the VAR system. However, an interesting rule is to be introduced by the MLS overseas to combat these ills. In addition, it wants to change the rule on suspensions after expulsions.

Although the overseas MLS cannot match the quality of the top European competitions, it does have the upper hand in some areas. For example, its marketing is second to none. However, it also wants to be one step ahead in introducing various rules that can help football.

Among the ills that football has long failed to eliminate are stalling and simulation. And that’s exactly what the American competition wants to move on. That’s why a new rule will be tested in MLS Next Pro, a competition mainly for reserve teams.

Under the new rule, which will be introduced in the competition this week, a player with a suspected injury is only allowed to stay on the ground for 15 seconds. However, should he lie on the pitch for longer, a medical crew will come and escort him off the pitch. Once off the field, the player will be required to remain off the field for 3 minutes.

It is hoped that this rule will greatly reduce the tendency of footballers to feign injury. Not that it won’t. Weakening your team for three minutes is simply no small punishment for possible simulation.

According to the management of the American football competitions, this will benefit not only football, but also doctors, who will be under less pressure.

The new rule will be tested for a year, then its pros and cons will be weighed, eventually a possible modification could be made, and by the new season it could be in effect for MLS.

But that’s not all MLS Next Pro will be testing. Besides, there will be a rule that a player who receives a red card during a match will serve his penalty not in the next match in the standings, but in the next match against the team he was sent off against.

Source: MLS