FIFA Competition Rules

A. League System

For the first time, three points will be awarded for each win. "We want to avoid teams playing out three 0-0 draws and still being able to progress to the second phrase," explains Alan Rothenburg. The top two teams in each group qualify, plus the four best teams in third place, determined by total points, then goal difference, number of goals scored, score of direct matches (if any), and finally the drawing of lots.

"Each match shall last 90 minutes, comprised of two periods of 45 minutes with an interval of 15 minutes in between." (FIFA Regulations). The last matches in the same group are to be played simultaneously.

B. Cup System

The sixteen qualifiers will be known on July 1 and placed into a pre-drawn knockout competition. "If, after 90 minutes, a match should end in a draw, extra time (two periods of fifteen minutes each) shall be played and, if necessary, penalty-kicks taken to determine the winner." (FIFA Regulations)

1994 Rule Changes

If a player receives two yellow cards in different games, he will be suspended for one game. This year, the players' slates are wiped clean after the group stage, although red cards still mean an immediate one-game ban at any stage.

Two substitutes are allowed to come on during a match. In addition, substitute keepers will also be allowed for the first time at a World Cup Finals.

The 1992 Back-pass Law gets its first appearance at USA'94, as does the recent directive from FIFA that tackles from behind must be dealt with by a red card.

Fitter Referees

All 24 referees and 22 linesmen have gone through a rigorous fitness program and been briefed by FIFA on punishing offenders adequately. But in the tension of the World Cup, human errors are inevitable. The first and last matches of Italia '90 alone resulted in four red cards, only one of which was justified.

The decisions of the man-in-black this year will continue to be major talking-points, even more so with the renewed pressure from FIFA for "Fair Play."