On Saturday, February 28, the International Football Association Board (IFAB) will vote to add two groundbreaking on-field innovations from Major League Soccer — the Off-Field Treatment Rule and the Timed Substitution Rule — to the global Laws of the Game.
Both rules were pioneered in MLS NEXT Pro and trialed successfully in the League’s first two seasons (2022-23) prior to being adopted by MLS in 2024 and the Off-field Treatment Rule in Leagues Cup in 2025.
Measurable Competitive Impact
MLS and MLS NEXT Pro matches have seen a significant decrease in preventable game delays since implementing the rules.
In MLS play:
- Injury-related stoppages decreased by 72% from an average of 5-6 stoppages per match to an average of 1.50 stoppages per match.
- In 2025, 99% of substitutions occurred in 10 seconds or less: across 510 matches, there were 4,346 substitutions (8.8 per match) - with the implementation of the Timed Substitution Rule, there were only 12 violations.
Influencing the Global Game
With proven success in the MLS ecosystem, these rules have influenced broader adoption, including implementation in select FIFA competitions and leagues such as the Premier League.
As MLS continues to evaluate and test progressive ideas, the league remains committed to enhancing competition, protecting players, and elevating the fan experience worldwide.
