Major League Soccer (MLS) is set to undergo significant rule changes in the 2024 season in an effort to reduce stoppages in play. These changes, which include an off-field treatment rule and a timed substitution rule, aim to make the game faster and more efficient. Commissioner Don Garber expressed the league’s commitment to maintaining the integrity of roster building while implementing these changes. While some minor updates to roster guidelines were made, the overall impact on the league and its fans is expected to be minimal.
One of the key rule changes in the upcoming MLS season is the implementation of the off-field treatment rule. Under this rule, any player who remains down with a suspected injury for at least 15 seconds will be required to be removed from the field by a medical crew and receive treatment on the sideline for a minimum of two minutes. Exceptions to the two-minute requirement will be made for injuries resulting from fouls that earn yellow or red cards.
The off-field treatment rule was tested extensively in MLS Next Pro, the league’s developmental league, over a season and a half. The results were promising, with stoppages dropping from an average of six per match to just 1.22. This change is aimed at reducing the time wasted on the field due to injury stoppages and ensuring player safety.
Another significant rule change in the 2024 MLS season is the timed substitution rule. Players will now be required to exit the playing field within 10 seconds when being substituted out of the game. Failure to comply with this rule will result in their replacement having to wait an additional minute and enter at the next stoppage. The timed substitution rule does not apply to goalkeepers or injury substitutions.
During the 2023 MLS Next Pro season, only 10 substitutions incurred the one-minute penalty out of more than 3,200 substitutions. These numbers indicate that players and coaching staff already adhere to timely substitutions, making this rule a logical step forward for the league. By streamlining the substitution process, MLS aims to minimize interruptions to the game flow and maintain an engaging and fast-paced experience for fans.
While the focus of the rule changes lies on improving gameplay efficiency, MLS also made some minor updates to its roster guidelines. These changes are not expected to have a significant impact on the league or its fans.
Firstly, the number of players on discovery lists, which assign rights to various players outside of the league, has been reduced from seven to five. This adjustment allows for a more streamlined and focused approach to player recruitment.
Secondly, transfer fees from designated player transfers or loans can now be used as general allocation money. This change provides teams with greater flexibility in managing their resources and building competitive rosters.
Lastly, to qualify as a domestic player, residency “must be established, or the player has to have appeared for an immigrant visa interview by the opening of the Secondary Transfer Window.” This requirement ensures that players meet the necessary criteria to be considered domestic players in MLS.
While many speculated that MLS would introduce more significant changes to compete with Liga MX teams, Commissioner Don Garber clarified that the focus is on achieving strategic objectives before considering further alterations. Garber believes that as the league continues to grow and attract more international fans, there may be a need to streamline rules to align with other top soccer leagues.
MLS approved additional minor changes such as displaying stoppage time in stadiums, referees announcing VAR decisions, and simultaneous return to play for opposing players with head injuries. These changes aim to enhance transparency and overall game experience for fans.
The rule changes implemented by MLS for the 2024 season signify a commitment to improving gameplay efficiency and maintaining the league’s integrity. The off-field treatment rule and the timed substitution rule are expected to reduce stoppages and keep the game flowing. While some minor updates to roster guidelines were made, the overall impact on the league and its fans is unlikely to be noticeable. As MLS looks toward the future, it may consider further adjustments to align with international leagues and provide a seamless experience for fans worldwide.
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