The Technical Committee of Referees presented a series of changes that will affect common situations during matches and force teams to adjust some of their strategies.

One of the main objectives of the new measures will be to reduce time-wasting, but they will also expand the VAR’s ability to intervene and clarify situations that have caused controversy in recent seasons.

An invisible clock for substitutions

Substituted players will have only 10 seconds to leave the pitch. When a player exceeds that time without a valid reason, their replacement will not be allowed to enter immediately.

The substitute will have to wait until the next stoppage, provided that at least one minute of effective playing time has passed since the match resumed. This is intended to prevent substitutions from disrupting the flow of the game.

Medical treatment will have consequences

Any player who receives medical treatment on the pitch must remain off the field for one minute after play resumes.

The rule includes exceptions for situations such as goalkeeper injuries, penalties, or collisions between players, but it seeks to reduce stoppages caused by issues that do not require lengthy treatment.

In addition, a specific trial will be implemented to combat so-called “tactical injuries” involving goalkeepers.

When a goalkeeper stops the match because of an injury, the coach must choose an outfield player to remain off the pitch for one minute while the goalkeeper continues playing.

Five seconds that could change possession

Referees will perform a visible five-second countdown for throw-ins and goal kicks.

If the team responsible for restarting play fails to do so within the allotted time, it will receive an immediate punishment.

For throw-ins, possession will be awarded to the opposing team. For goal kicks, the opposition will be awarded a corner kick.

The VAR will expand its scope

The video assistant referee will have new powers and will be able to intervene in situations that were previously outside its protocol.

The VAR will be able to overturn a clearly incorrect second yellow card that results in a dismissal, as well as cases of mistaken identity in which the referee penalizes the wrong player.

A solution for double-touch penalties

The new rules also clarify what will happen when a player accidentally strikes the ball with both feet while taking a penalty or when the ball touches their standing foot.

When the shot results in a goal, the penalty must be retaken. If the attempt does not go in, it will be considered missed or an indirect free kick may be awarded, depending on the circumstances of the play.

For clear goalscoring opportunities

When the referee allows play to continue and the attacking team goes on to score, the offender will no longer receive a card for that action.

The goal will be considered the sporting consequence of the play, preventing the defender from receiving an additional punishment.

A new interpretation of dropped balls

The dropped ball will be awarded to the team that, in the referee’s judgment, was going to retain or regain possession when play was stopped.

This change is intended to make the restart fairer and prevent the interruption from benefiting the team that was less likely to gain possession.

Greater flexibility regarding accessories

Players will be allowed to wear accessories provided that they do not pose a risk, are properly covered, and are securely fastened.

However, metal objects or anything that could endanger the players’ safety will remain prohibited.

Heat will also have a new limit

Cooling breaks will become automatic when temperatures reach 32 degrees Celsius.

Below that threshold, hydration breaks will remain exceptional and must take place during natural stoppages in play.

A mandatory adjustment for everyone

The changes will be introduced at the beginning of the 2026-27 season and will require players, coaches, and refereeing teams to adapt quickly.

Teams will have to restart play more quickly, manage substitutions differently, and avoid certain strategies designed to interrupt the match.

At the same time, the VAR’s expanded ability to intervene could reduce some significant errors, although it will also open a new debate about how extensive technology’s role in football should be.