Significant changes are being made to the refereeing regulations ahead of the new season.

We are already seeing these changes being implemented at the ongoing World Cup, and starting July 1, they will begin to be applied to matches in UEFA competitions (Champions League, Europa League, and Conference League).

These regulations will also apply to CFF competitions starting with the 2026–2027 soccer season.

The objectives of the changes, as decided by the IFAB (International Football Association Board), are:

• To improve actual playing time.
• To reduce delays and deliberate interruptions to the flow of the game.
• To enhance the credibility and effectiveness of refereeing.
• Improving the behavior of players and officials toward referees.

Here are the most significant changes in detail:

New procedure for throw-ins and goal kicks

Throw-in

If the referee determines that there is excessive or deliberate delay in taking the throw-in:

• A visible 5-second countdown will begin.
• If the throw-in is not taken before the countdown ends: The throw-in will be awarded to the opposing team.

Goal Kick

The same 5-second countdown rule applies.

• If a team delays taking the goal kick: A corner kick will be awarded to the opposing team.

New Rules for Player Substitutions

The player being substituted must leave the field of play within 10 seconds:

From the moment the substitution board is displayed, or from the moment the referee gives the relevant instruction if there is no substitution board.

If the player does not leave in time:

• The player must leave the field.
• The substitute will NOT be allowed to enter immediately.
• He may enter only at the first stoppage in play after one minute of actual time has elapsed since the restart.

Injuries and Medical Care

When a player receives medical attention on the field of play or the game is stopped due to his injury, then after the game resumes:

• The player must remain off the field of play for 1 minute of actual time.
• The goal is to prevent time-wasting tactics through feigned or exaggerated injuries.

New VAR Responsibilities

1. Incorrect second yellow card

• VAR will be able to intervene when there is a clear and obvious error leading to a sending-off via a second yellow card.

2. Incorrect player identification

• When the wrong player is penalized with a yellow or red card.
• Or when the referee incorrectly attributes the foul to the other team.

3. Clearly incorrect corner kick

• VAR will be able to correct an incorrect decision to award a corner kick.
• Prerequisite:
  The review must be completed immediately.
  It must not cause a delay in the restart of the match.

See all the rules here

*photo source: AP