Spain Introduces Revolutionary Rules: 10 Seconds to Leave the Pitch, VAR Gets More Power
Alongside new rules to curb time-wasting, Como shocks fans by revoking season tickets for four unexcused absences.
Alongside new rules to curb time-wasting, Como shocks fans by revoking season tickets for four unexcused absences.
Spanish football is introducing significant rule changes from next season with the aim of speeding up the game and reducing time-wasting, especially in the closing stages of matches. According to information posted on social media platform X by user Post United, as reported by Klix.ba, the new rules impose strict time limits for substitutions and goalkeeper injuries, while also expanding the powers of VAR technology.
One of the key new rules concerns players leaving the pitch for a substitution. From now on, they will have just ten seconds to do so. If they exceed this time, the referee will be able to take appropriate disciplinary action. The aim is to prevent deliberate time-wasting in the final stages of matches when teams try to preserve a favorable result.
An additional measure has been introduced for situations where play is stopped due to a goalkeeper injury. To prevent simulation and unnecessary time-wasting, one player from the injured goalkeeper's team will have to leave the pitch for one minute. This rule is expected to eliminate the common tactic used by teams to cool down the game.
The changes also affect penalty kicks. In the case of an unintentional double touch during a penalty kick, if the ball ends up in the net, the penalty will be retaken instead of the goal being disallowed. Furthermore, teams that delay taking a throw-in will lose the throw-in, and the ball will be awarded to the opposing team. Similarly, deliberate time-wasting during a goal kick will result in a corner being awarded to the opposing side.
The powers of the video assistant referee (VAR) are also being significantly expanded. The technology will now be able to intervene in cases of incorrectly awarded second yellow cards, as well as in situations where the referee has incorrectly awarded a corner. These changes are expected to help correct important refereeing errors that can affect the outcome of a match.
While Spain introduces rules for players, in Italy, Como, led by Cesc Fabregas, has made a controversial decision regarding fans. As reported by Tportal, the club intends to revoke the season ticket of anyone who, without a valid reason, misses four home matches at the Giuseppe Sinigaglia stadium. Those who miss more than three matches, and whose excuse is not accepted by the club, will face cancellation of their subscription.
This decision stems from the enormous interest in tickets, which far exceeds the number of available seats. Club president Mirwan Suwarso stated that seats should go to fans who genuinely want to be in the stands and support the team.
"This must become a true home for our fans and a fortress for our team,"Suwarso said.
Additionally, Como has banned the wearing of jerseys, scarves, and other symbols of opposing clubs throughout the stadium, except in the away sector. The club claims this was introduced for security reasons as well, with the aim of creating an environment where families can attend matches without fear and to prevent provocations and potential conflicts in the home stands.
The new rules have sparked a wave of discontent. Supporters point out that they may miss matches due to work commitments, health issues, family situations, or other reasons that do not diminish their loyalty to the club. Local newspaper La Provincia reported receiving numerous concerned calls and messages from fans. Some fans are unsure what the club will consider a valid excuse or how they will have to prove why they could not attend the match.
"Do our parents have to excuse our absence like in school?"one fan asked on social media, as reported by Tportal.
The main concern is that the club decides on the validity of absences, and it is unclear what evidence will be required or whether fans must notify in advance that they will not occupy their seat. In the 2018/2019 season, Como played in the fourth tier of Italian football, while last season they surprisingly finished fourth in Serie A and secured a place in the Champions League for the first time, causing a massive surge in demand for tickets.
