“Football with the clock stopped” and the “anti Dibu Martínez” rule: the changes that FIFA is analyzing

FIFA is in the evaluation period of several rules. Many aspects of gaming as we know it may change, and much of the essence of gaming that captivates audiences may be lost. The first thing the football parent company is analyzing is whether matches will continue to last 90 minutes. But there’s more: one of the changes analyzed would be related to Emiliano “Dibu” Martínez and his tactics on the pitch.

Gianni Infantinohead of FIFA, has put on the table a topic that generates much debate. In essence, his proposal is to reflect on whether it is still advantageous for matches to continue for 90 minutes.. What does Infantino propose? That matches, such as in futsal, are played with the clock stopped. In this way, an extensive waste of time would cease to exist. This option will be discussed at an IFAB meeting next week.

First of all, this whole initiative will need to be discussed and its pros and cons will be considered. Once all this process has been completed and, if accepted and approved, It will certainly come into effect from 2024. In other words, this rule should not be taken into consideration immediately, but it cannot be excluded that it will be implemented in the not too distant future.

The rule, which will come into effect from 30 June, is to consider the time used by players in goal celebrations when adding it after 45 minutes of each half. FIFA’s idea of ​​prioritizing playing as much net time as possible is very clear and matches are not inundated with constant time wasters.

The anti Dibu Martínez rule

Without a doubt, Dibu Martínez is marking an era in world football. His extravagant personality, his great saves, what was decisive for the Argentina national team to be world champion and his psychological games in every penalty that must be present are some of the tricks of him.

“Look, I like you like a brother”, is undoubtedly one of his phrases that will remain etched in the memory. But the goalkeeper, and whoever wants to implement these tactics, will no longer be able to do so. It turns out that FIFA, probably for all the benefits Dibu Martínez has derived from it, will prohibit any kind of distraction to the artists. You will no longer be able to talk, delay or touch the sticks or nets.