Nigeria, Nov. 4 -- FIFA has experimented with a series of new football rules at the Under-15 World Cup in a move aimed at increasing young players' involvement in matches and giving them more opportunities to develop their skills.

The proposed changes, which depart from some of the traditional rules of the game, are designed to ensure that young footballers spend more time on the ball and have greater opportunities to participate in play.

Among the innovations tested is a reduction in the number of players on the pitch, with teams competing in an eight-a-side format instead of the conventional 11-a-side arrangement.

Matches are also played over two 20-minute halves, while teams are allowed to make unlimited substitutions throughout th...