FIFA to drop longer half-time break plan

A controversial proposal to extend the half-time break from 15 to 20 minutes is expected to be dropped by FIFA today.

The plan was to be put forward to football’s rulemakers today but it is understood FIFA have decided to withdraw it.

The International Football Association Board (IFAB), made up of the four home nations and FIFA, is meeting near Belfast this morning to discuss rule changes.

An initial meeting of general secretaries discussed the proposal yesterday and faced with opposition from the home nations, FIFA decided to withdraw the plan. Football fans’ groups had also voiced their opposition.

The IFAB meeting instead concentrated on proposals for an experiment with sin-bins for yellow card offenders and further trials for an extra assistant referee behind each goal.

Other items for discussion include allowing a fourth substitute in extra time.

The Irish FA are pushing for an experiment on sin-bins, but that is unlikely to win support – they are expected to be told to return with more detailed proposals.

Instead, UEFA president Michel Platini’s plan for extra assistants behind the goals is likely to get further backing – FIFA will report on an experiment conducted during under-19 European Championship qualifying tournaments in Slovenia, Hungary and Cyprus last year.

The IFAB is made up of representatives of the four home associations, who each have a vote, and FIFA, who have four. Any rule change needs at least six votes in favour.

The Scottish FA have put forward the proposal for a fourth substitute being allowed in extra time, and have also tabled a question on the current situation regarding developments in goal-line technology.

Last year, FIFA effectively ruled out goal-line technology as being too costly and complicated.