FIFA has approved major updates to the Laws of the Game aimed at reducing time-wasting, enhancing fairness, and ensuring smoother match flow ahead of the 2026 World Cup.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The changes were confirmed following the 140th annual meeting of the International Football Association Board (IFAB) in Wales. They are designed to minimise stoppages, improve consistency in refereeing decisions, and reduce controversies across competitions.

The new rules will take effect before the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, featuring an expanded 48-team format.

Player Substitutions
Under the updated rule, players being substituted must leave the field within 10 seconds. Failing to do so will result in the incoming player waiting one minute before entering. This aims to discourage deliberate delays, particularly when teams are protecting narrow leads late in games.

Five-Second Limit for Throw-ins and Goal Kicks
A new countdown rule now gives players five seconds to restart play for throw-ins and goal kicks. Failure to comply will see possession awarded to the opposing team. This measure is intended to prevent deliberate time-wasting and maintain the tempo of matches.

Injured Players Must Receive Treatment Off the Pitch
Players requiring medical attention must leave the field and remain off the pitch for at least one minute before returning. Previously tested in competitions like the Arab Cup, the rule aims to reduce delays and keep the game flowing. FIFA referees chairman Pierluigi Collina noted that this change will improve match rhythm and reduce time-wasting.

Expanded VAR Review
The Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system will now cover additional scenarios, including second yellow card offences and incorrect corner kick decisions. Reviews must be conducted immediately to avoid disrupting the flow of play and remain limited to clear, obvious errors.

The IFAB believes these changes will promote faster, more transparent matches while improving consistency in officiating worldwide. With the 2026 World Cup set to feature the largest number of teams in the tournament’s history, the updated rules are expected to help ensure smoother match management throughout the competition.

Japanese authorities have issued an alert after North Korea reportedly fired a suspected ballistic missile on Saturday.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Domestic airlines in Nigeria are facing rising financial pressure following a sharp spike in the price of Jet-A1 aviation fuel, the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) has reported.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

According to the group, aviation fuel, which sold for around N1,000 per litre just two weeks ago, has surged to about N1,800 per litre in several parts of the country—an increase of roughly 80 percent in a short period. Fuel accounts for the largest share of airline operating costs, representing 30–35% of total expenses. The spike has been linked to ongoing conflicts in the Middle East, which have pushed global energy prices higher.

Speaking on Channels Television on Friday, AON spokesperson Prof. Obiora Okonkwo said the rise has placed airlines under severe financial strain. Despite this, most carriers have avoided immediately passing the added costs onto passengers.

“Two weeks ago, Jet-A1 cost about N1,000 per litre. Today, it’s around N1,800, and even higher in some locations—a jump of about 80 percent. That’s a huge spike,” Okonkwo said.

He added that airlines are currently absorbing the losses to shield travelers from higher ticket prices. “We are selling tickets at very non-profitable rates and losing a lot of money. Adjustments may be necessary if prices continue to rise,” he noted, while emphasizing sensitivity to the economic conditions of Nigerians.

Okonkwo also highlighted that global oil market developments, including recent releases from crude oil reserves, could impact fuel prices in the coming weeks. He urged the Federal Government to engage with the Dangote Refinery to stabilize local aviation fuel supply. “Two years ago, we had no refinery in Nigeria. Now, with a refinery, we are hopeful a solution can be found,” he said.

He warned that if prices continue rising, some airlines may struggle to absorb the increasing costs.

On the recent sanctions by the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission against about five airlines for alleged price-fixing, Okonkwo dismissed the claim. “The aviation sector is deregulated. There is no meeting of airlines to agree on fares. Fixing prices would require operating as a cartel, which is not happening,” he explained.

Okonkwo stressed that ticket prices vary based on each airline’s operational costs and that carriers must continually demonstrate financial viability to regulators to maintain their licenses. He urged policymakers to consider the fragile state of the aviation industry when making regulatory decisions.