New refereeing changes in the Spanish league
The Spanish league association has approved a package of new refereeing changes that will come into effect with the next season, including expanding the powers of video technology (VAR) to review second yellow card cases and correct the identity of the sent-off player, requiring the substituted player to leave the pitch within 10 seconds, a countdown for throw-ins, and announcing decisions through loudspeakers to enhance transparency.
The Spanish league association has approved a package of new refereeing changes that will come into effect with the start of the next season, as part of its efforts to develop the refereeing system, reduce errors, limit time-wasting, and enhance transparency inside stadiums. The changes include expanding the powers of the video assistant referee (VAR) to include reviewing second yellow card cases, correcting errors in the identity of the player who is sent off, and intervening in cases where corner kicks are incorrectly awarded. The new regulations also require the substituted player to leave the pitch within 10 seconds; if delayed, the entry of the substitute will be postponed for a full minute, aiming to reduce time-wasting during substitutions. The changes also include that a player receiving treatment must remain off the pitch for one minute before being allowed to return in most cases, while the team will play with ten players for a minute if their goalkeeper stops play to receive treatment without the injury being caused by an opponent's foul. In the fight against time-wasting, a five-second countdown will be applied for throw-ins, and a penalty kick will be considered wasted if the taker touches the ball twice unintentionally and it does not go into the net. One of the most notable developments is that the referee, after reviewing footage via video technology, will announce and explain his final decision to the fans inside the stadium via loudspeakers, a step aimed at enhancing transparency and increasing clarity of refereeing decisions for everyone.