New rules reduce wasted time

Why it matters

Increasing effective playing time in the Eredivisie is crucial to improving the quality of football played in the Dutch championship. These new rules aim to make the game more fluid and dynamic, which could also influence team performance and spectator engagement. By reducing interruptions, Eredivisie clubs can provide a more attractive spectacle, which is essential for the development of football in the country.

Context

The new rules adopted in the Eredivisie, inspired by those of the World Cup, aim to reduce the time lost in matches. This could have significant implications for team performances and how matches are perceived by the public, making the Dutch championship more competitive and attractive.

Key points

• New rules reduce wasted time.
• Adopted during the last World Cup, the new rules aimed at reducing time losses have had a notable effect in the Eredivisie.
• Nieuwe spells hebben effect: meer zuivere speeltijd en Eredivisie.

Since the 2022 World Cup, which saw the introduction of strict measures to combat time lost in matches, these new rules are starting to bear fruit in the Eredivisie, the Dutch football championship. Modeled on the world final phase, these measures aim to accelerate the resumption of action during substitutions and throw-ins and to limit loss of time, particularly when treating injured players.

During the international competition, these rules had already made it possible to reduce the number and duration of interruptions. However, their impact on effective playing time was partly mitigated by long refreshment breaks, for which additional time was not always adjusted correctly.

In the Dutch championship, the dynamic is more tangible. While only a few Eredivisie matches have experienced these breaks this start of the season, the majority of matches took place without prolonged interruption. According to data provided by Opta, effective playing time – that is to say the period during which the ball is actually in motion – has increased significantly. On average, this percentage has increased from around 59% over the last five seasons to almost 61.5% since the opening of the 2023/2024 championship.

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This improvement also translates into a reduction in the total duration of matches, with matches now lasting just over a minute less on average. Paradoxically, the effective playing time increased by around three minutes, a sign that the new guidelines save “pure” playing time despite a shorter overall playing time.

However, these results must be qualified. The 2023/2024 season is distinguished by an unusual number of long interruptions linked to video refereeing (VAR), which can disrupt the statistics. However, the adoption of anti-time-wasting rules seems to usher in a new era where Eredivisie matches benefit from a more sustained pace and better respect for actual playing time, a beneficial aspect for the spectacle and observers.

Thus, the Eredivisie follows the example set by the 2022 World Cup and shows that the rigorous application of these rules can have a measurable positive impact on the fluidity of modern football, with more continuous play over the 90 minutes.

The rest

With the successful implementation of these new rules, it is likely that other leagues will follow the Eredivisie's lead to improve effective playing time. Clubs and players will have to adapt to these changes, which could also influence playing strategies. Fans and football analysts will closely monitor the impact of these changes on the flow of matches as the season progresses.

Frequently asked questions

What are the new rules put in place in the Eredivisie?

The new rules aim to reduce the time lost in matches, by accelerating the resumption of actions during substitutions and throw-ins, and by limiting loss of time linked to the care of injured players.

Why were these rules introduced now?

These rules have been introduced since the 2022 World Cup to combat time lost in matches and improve effective playing time.

Who confirmed the impact of the new rules on actual playing time?

Data regarding the impact of the new rules on effective playing time was provided by Opta.

What change has been observed in effective playing time in the Eredivisie?

Effective playing time has increased from around 59% over the last five seasons to almost 61.5% since the start of the 2023/2024 season.

How do the new rules affect

do they determine the duration of matches in the Eredivisie?

The new rules have led to a reduction in the total duration of matches, which now last just over a minute less on average.

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