2022 World Cup: Major Changes and Rules Expected in Qatar As the Tournament Edges Closer

• The 2022 World Cup in Qatar is only days away and although the build-up isn't the same as the previous ones, fans are looking forward to it
• World football governing organisation FIFA has implemented a few changes and rules with an aim to better the game
• There are several changes expected to be seen at the tournament, and it remains to be seen how these will be received

The World Cup is only nine days away, and the energy and excitement have been gradually building for the biggest sporting event in the world.

Since the tournament is being held in an unusual period - in the middle of a domestic season - FIFA introduced and implemented some minor but crucial changes to the tournament that will definitely improve the game.

This will be the first time the tournament will be hosted in the Middle East and the second time in Asia, after the 2002 edition, which was held in Japan and South Korea.

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However, the World Cup in Qatar has been clouded in controversy since the country were awarded the rights in 2010, according to the Guardian.

Here are the major changes to expect in Qatar, according to Squawka.

1. Expanded squads

The Covid-19 pandemic probably changed how the game is played now. This will be the first time World Cup squads will have 26 players as opposed to the normal 23. However, only 23 players will be available for a matchday, leaving three players out, according to ESPN.

2. Substitution

Since teams will have 26 players, the number of substitutions will also be increased to five. Still, managers will only have three windows to make those changes. If teams go to extra time, they will be allowed to make one more change.

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3. Women referees

There will be 36 referees at the tournament. FIFA included two each from Argentina, Brazil, England and France. Moreover, for the first time ever, women referees will officiate matches at the tournament.

Stephanie Frappart from France, Rwandan Salima Mukansanga, and Yoshimi Yamashita from Japan will referee at the games. According to Goal, three women will also work as assistant referees.

4. Offside technology

FIFA will employ semi-automated offside technology at the tournament to help officials make faster and more accurate decisions.

The new technology uses 12 dedicated tracking cameras, mounted underneath the stadium roof, to track the ball and up to 29 data points of each player, 50 times per second, calculating their exact position on the pitch. The 29 collected data points include all limbs and extremities that are relevant for making offside calls.

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Yamashita Yoshimi, Salima Mukansanga and Stephanie Frappart will referee games in Qatar, which is an astonishing milestone in the sport.

This also the first time ever that women have been allowed to officiate matches at the men's tournament.