Serie A announces changes to VAR and refereeing rules for 2026-27
The Italian Referees Association has announced new VAR rights and rules for the 2026-27 Serie A season, focused on improving the flow of the game and reducing time wasting.
Serie A announces changes to VAR and refereeing rules for 2026-27
According to Sports.Background
The introduction of VAR's new powers in Serie A, such as correcting erroneous second yellow cards, can have a significant impact on match results. These changes will be important for top Serie A clubs such as AC Milan, AS Roma and Atalanta, as they will look to take every possible advantage to remain competitive during the season.
Why it matters
The implementation of the new VAR and refereeing rules in Serie A is important to improve the flow of the game and reduce time wastage. These changes may not only affect match results but will also ensure clarity of rules for players and coaches. This will also improve the competitiveness of the season for Serie A clubs.
Key Points
- Serie A announces changes to VAR and refereeing rules for 2026-27.
- The Italian Referees' Association has announced new VAR rights and rules for the 2026โ27 Serie A season, focused on improving the flow of the game and reducing time wastage..
- Serie A announces VAR and refereeing rule changes for 2026-27 - Yahoo Sports.
Taking into account the changes introduced by IFAB for the 2026 World Cup, the AIA has adopted some of those recommendations. The new VAR protocol gives VARs additional powers to improve decisions that could influence the outcome. For example, correcting an incorrect second yellow card or using the 'mistaken identity' rule. VAR has also gained the option to overturn erroneous corner kicks, but only if the decision can be made without slowing down the pace of play.Lack of game time is a serious problem in Serie A, so new rules have been created to improve it. According to the new protocol, if a player fails to leave the field within 10 seconds of the number shown by the fourth official, his replacement will not be allowed until play has been stopped or at least one minute has passed since play has resumed.
There will also be a five-second count for players to take a throw-in or goal kick, and if they violate this time limit, the referee can penalize that team and award the throw-in to the other side.
The rules for injuries seen at the World Cup will also be adopted in Serie A, so if a player requires treatment on the field, he will have to wait at least a minute before coming back on. There are only a few exceptions, such as a serious clash of heads, which results in a foul resulting in a yellow or red card, or if it involves the goalkeeper.
Under new rules in Serie A, the referee has been given the option to show a straight red card if a player covers his mouth while he is in a provocative or abusive conversation with an opponent.
Changes have also been made to the DOGSO (Denial of Obvious Goalscoring Opportunity) protocol, so if the referee plays advantage and the team is successful in scoring a goal, a card will not be given for this foul.
Another change is that if a player slips and kicks the ball with both feet, this was previously considered a disqualification. However, now he will be given a chance again if he scores a goal.
What will happen next
Before the start of the 2026โ27 Serie A season, coaches and players will be briefed on the new rules. This will ensure that all club members understand the correct application of the rules. Under the new VAR protocol, the decision-making process in matches will be accelerated, which will further improve the Serie A game experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will the new VAR and referee rules come into effect in Serie A?
New VAR and refereeing rules will come into effect for the 2026โ27 Serie A season.
Will the new VAR rules affect the outcome of the match?
Yes, the new VAR protocol gives VARs additional powers to improve decisions, which could impact the outcome.
How will the lack of game time be addressed in Serie A?
As per the new rules, players will have to leave the field within 10 seconds of the number shown by the fourth official, otherwise their replacement will not be allowed.
Is there any time limit for players in the new rules?
Yes, players must follow a five-second count to take a throw-in or goal kick, otherwise the referee may penalize that team.
Will the new rules also apply to injuries?
Yes, under the new rules if a player requires treatment, he will have to wait for at least a minute before coming back.
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