Friendly results will now have less bearing on FIFA rankings as part of the “more intuitive and accurate” Elo method.

According to FIFA’s press release, a group of sports specialists and statisticians developed a formula based on the Elo method of calculation which eliminates the potential for ranking manipulation and provides all teams with equal chance to improve their position.

This formula works not by averaging points for each individual match, but by adding or deducting them from a team’s existing points total — a calculation in which weights are determined by the relative strength of the two opponents and the importance of each match. FIFA says that the approved formula will allow for a smooth transition from the current ranking.

The meeting comes just four days ahead of the opening of the FIFA World Cup, which will be held in 11 Russian cities from June 14 to July 15.