Benoît Bastien sets out new Ligue 1 and Ligue 2 refereeing directives | OneFootball

According to L'Équipe, Ligue 1 and Ligue 2 referees have been issued new 2026-2027 guidelines aimed at speeding up play and penalising behaviour that harms the game. Benoît Bastien, who retired in June and now serves as deputy technical director for professional competitions at the DA, has set out the priorities.

The Direction of refereeing, the DA, has issued guidance that goes beyond World Cup refereeing innovations and new law changes as the league restarts. Every Ligue 1 and Ligue 2 club received a one-hour briefing from DA officials to explain the changes.

To boost effective playing time, where Ligue 1 already compares well with its European neighbours, referees will hasten specific restarts. Penalties, free-kicks near the area and corners with blocking plans should be taken quickly.

Yellow cards can be shown in set situations, such as crowding the goalkeeper by creating a blocking zone at corners, or treading on the penalty spot as a taker prepares to shoot. Players guilty of blatant simulation will also be booked anywhere on the pitch.

Officials have been told to curb mass confrontations through sanctions. Refereeing consultant Saïd Ennjimi welcomed the intent but warned that a flood of cards would be incoherent, and that identifying divers or the main aggressors is often difficult.

The DA also wants protests channelled through captains, who will be the only players invited to address the referee. Ennjimi called the idea sound in theory but said expecting full effectiveness is a bit of a pipe dream, adding that simplicity and clarity are needed. Consistent week-to-week application remains uncertain after last season’s inconsistencies.

Source: L'Équipe

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