Napoli chief proposes host of rule changes including reducing matches to 50 minutes

Napoli chief proposes host of rule changes including reducing matches to 50 minutesFIFA are already proposing a number of rule changes over the next few years and Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis has suggested a number of alterations in order to draw younger fansCommentsSportDaniel Orme Sports Writer17:42, 14 Apr 2026View 2 ImagesAurelio De Laurentiis has suggested a host of rule changes in football(Image: Getty Images)Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis has suggested cutting football matches to just 50 minutes in a radical overhaul. The 76-year-old has owned the Italian side since 2004 and has enjoyed a spectacular period, having led them back to the top flight after they were demoted to the third tier.‌Napoli have gone from strength to strength over recent seasons, having lifted two Serie A crowns, as well as three Italian Cups. They have also become regulars in the Champions League.‌Despite that period of success, De Laurentiis is keen to see a number of dramatic changes to the rules in order to keep the game more interesting. One of his demands is to reduce the duration of a game from 90 minutes to just 50.‌Speaking to The Athletic, he said: “No 1: I will reduce from 45 minutes each (half) to 25 minutes. But also you cannot stay down on the field and play around like an actor! 'NO - you will go OUT!'”READ MORE: Gabriel Jesus casts doubt on Arsenal future as he reveals dream transferREAD MORE: Scott McTominay makes Napoli 'sacrifice' as Italian media reach brutal agreementJOIN US ON FACEBOOK! Latest news, analysis and much more on Mirror Football's Facebook pageMeanwhile, De Laurentiis has also said that both yellow and red cards should be scrapped entirely and believes that a rugby-like sin bin would be the way forward.‌He added: “I will never use a red card and a yellow card. I would say ‘YOU - get out for five minutes [for a yellow card)’ And ‘YOU - get out for 20 minutes for a red card!’”One final change that De Laurentiis ha...