Major changes: the new refereeing rules for the 26/27 season | OneFootball

The new football season will introduce major rule changes designed to speed up play, punish time-wasting, and expand the scope of technology.

Faster substitutions, restarts, and medical treatment

Substitutions will have a strict 10-second limit to be completed. Likewise, if a goalkeeper receives medical treatment, an outfield player must temporarily leave the pitch. Delays in taking throw-ins or goal kicks will be penalized by awarding the throw or a corner to the opposing team, while handling the ball after a goal kick will be punished with a penalty.

Expanded VAR and penalties from the spot

The VAR system will be able to intervene in second yellow cards, wrongly awarded corners, and off-the-ball aggression. Finally, if a penalty results in a goal after an accidental double touch by the taker, the spot kick must be retaken.

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