The most significant legacy from the World Cup concerns refereeing rules, leading to faster matches, fewer tricks and simulations, and greater control over potentially decisive errors. It was a necessary regulatory shift. However, the flip side was the excessive use of VAR, particularly in the latter stages of the tournament, with some 'retroactive' decisions perhaps best avoided. Consequently, to distance itself from FIFA and re-emphasize the referee's central role, UEFA has established new guidelines for the upcoming European club competitions. Roberto Rosetti, UEFA's chief refereeing officer, outlined how these will be implemented across the Champions League, Europa League, Conference League, and Nations League, aiming for greater uniformity with domestic leagues.
Throw-ins and Goal Kicks
The new IFAB rule has been adopted. For throw-ins and goal kicks, a 5-second countdown will commence from the moment the referee blows the whistle and signals. Any player exceeding this time limit will forfeit the throw-in to the opposition or concede a corner to the attacking side.
Quick substitutions
Another anti-timewasting measure concerns substitutions. Players must exit the field within 10 seconds of their numbers being displayed on the substitution board. Failure to comply will still result in the player being replaced, but their team will be forced to play short for at least 1 minute, until the next stoppage in play allows the substitute to enter.
Injuries
As Rosetti highlights, “far fewer players are seen collapsing on the pitch”, ensuring the game maintains its rhythm. Should an injury necessitate medical attention or a stoppage in play, the injured player will remain off the field for 1 minute. Exceptions apply if the foul led to a yellow or red card, if a goalkeeper is involved, or if it's a collision between teammates.
Covering mouth
On this matter, UEFA diverges from FIFA. Covering one's mouth while speaking to an opponent will not result in an immediate red card. The referee will have discretion to assess the situation and, if warranted, issue a yellow card, not a sending off. Rosetti remarked, “too often we've seen players demand opponents be sent off for a simple hand gesture”.
VAR and Second Yellow Cards
VAR will now review second yellow cards, “also to prevent incidents like those involving Lukaku and Bastoni. The Juventus player shouldn't have been booked, while Bastoni should have been”. There will be no review for a first yellow card: “It's part of football; a booking can be a mistake, and it would be dangerous to start reviewing everything”.
Silent Check at Corner Kicks
The new rule is approved, but Rosetti clarifies it will only apply “in absolutely clear cases, involving the last touch, without reviewing previous phases of play, and without wasting time”.
VAR with ball not in play at restarts
Previously, VAR could not intervene when the ball was not already in play at restarts. However, the protocol has changed. For instance, if an attacking foul occurs before play restarts, video review is now permitted.
Ball played in the penalty area
To prevent past misunderstandings: if the ball in the penalty area has already been played and it is in motion, a handball (even if it appears as a part of a goal kick yet to be taken) will result in a penalty kick.
Only the Captain
“No more mobbing of referees”, stated Rosetti. Only the captain is permitted to speak with the referee. Any player who fails to respect this rule, or acts in a threatening or disrespectful manner, will be shown a card.
VAR Review Process
“VAR should correct clear and obvious errors or serious missed incidents that could alter the outcome of a match”. Rosetti outlined the VAR process for referees: first, they assess the still image, then the action in slow motion, and finally at real speed. The decision is derived from this combined review.
Clear Line
The true revolution lies in a new video library on the UEFA website dedicated to refereeing decisions. This resource will allow users to consult over 150 situations, providing a constant reference for when VAR should or should not be applied. Rosetti added, “this is for fans, journalists, and observers, so there are no more doubts”.
Offside
Already implemented in Italy, semi-automatic offside is set to arrive in the Champions League. If an offside is clear, for example, by more than 30 centimetres, the AR will receive an audio message and the flag will be raised immediately, stopping play. Otherwise, the message will be “delay”, meaning play continues and the situation is reviewed afterwards.
VAR Philosophy
“VAR is not a second refereeing system”, Rosetti explained. “We are putting the referees at the centre. Good referees must make decisions, even unpopular ones”.
Source: La Gazzetta
