Ball-in-play time rises in Série A with new rules | OneFootball

The new football rules came into effect this weekend in Brazil’s Série A and produced promising results. The main one was the increase in average ball-in-play time after the first nine matches of the 23rd round. The round will be completed this Monday with the clash between Internacional and Remo.

Up until the break for the World Cup, the average in matches was 52 minutes and 54 seconds. After the nine games on Saturday and Sunday, that time rose to 55 minutes and 29 seconds. This average surpasses the ball-in-play time in major European leagues such as the Premier League (55:23), LaLiga (55:08), and Serie A (54:28).

It is also the first weekend of implementation of the new rules, which require an adaptation period for both the teams and the referees. Although the early signs are positive, a more rigorous analysis of the impact of the changes will require a larger sample of matches.

“This first weekend with the implementation of the new rules brings a very positive assessment. It is still premature to talk about a consolidation of the results, but it was already possible to notice important progress in several matches. The increase in ball-in-play time contributes directly to a more fluid, more dynamic game and, above all, to delivering an ever-better product to the fans,” said Netto Góes, CBF’s Director of Refereeing.

Netto Góes, CBF’s Director of Refereeing, believes the approved changes can recover minutes of ball-in-play time in Brazilian footballCredits: Luciana Vermell / CBF

In addition to the rules aimed at increasing the flow of the game, there was also a case involving the application of the so-called “Vini Jr protocol” in Vitória vs. Botafogo.

“We are talking about a significant change that requires adaptation from everyone involved. We gave our referees important preparation, but we also count on the understanding and cooperation of the clubs, players, and coaching staffs. This first weekend shows that, when refereeing and football work in an integrated way, we can move forward in building a more dynamic game, with more ball in play and a better experience for those following the Brazilian Championship. We have improved, but we will seek even greater progress, especially with a more proactive attitude from referees to speed up restarts and with stoppage time that is more consistent with the time lost while the game is stopped,” said Sandro Meira Ricci, president of the CBF Refereeing Commission.

The new refereeing rules come into effect in Série B this week, starting with Tuesday’s (18) match between Londrina and Atlético-GO.

In addition to Brasileirão Série A and Série B, the Copa do Brasil (Men’s and Women’s) and the Women’s A1 will also adopt the new rules.

LEARN ABOUT THE NEW RULES:

1. FIVE SECONDS FOR A THROW-IN

The count starts as soon as the player has the ball in hand.

2. FIVE SECONDS TO TAKE A GOAL KICK

The referee blows the whistle and counts five seconds. If the goalkeeper exceeds the time, a corner kick is awarded to the opposing team.

3. TEN SECONDS TO LEAVE THE FIELD DURING SUBSTITUTIONS

The substituted player must leave by the nearest point quickly, without walking slowly.

4. ONE MINUTE OUT AFTER RECEIVING TREATMENT

A player who receives treatment on the pitch will have to leave and must remain out for one minute.

5. AFTER THE GOALKEEPER RECEIVES TREATMENT, AN OUTFIELD PLAYER MUST STAY OUT FOR ONE MINUTE

The coach indicates who will serve the minute out.

6. ONLY THE CAPTAIN SPEAKS TO THE REFEREE

Only one spokesperson per team throughout the match.

7. COVERING THE MOUTH DURING AN ARGUMENT: RED CARD (VINI JR PROTOCOL)

Intentionally covering the mouth while arguing with an opponent will be considered conduct punishable by dismissal.

8. VAR REVIEW FOR A SECOND YELLOW CARD

A card that results in a sending-off can now be reviewed by VAR.

9. VAR REVIEW FOR A CORNER KICK AWARDED BY MISTAKE (APPROVED FOR 2027)

The corner-kick decision is overturned by VAR if it can be changed immediately and without delaying the restart.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.