UEFA tightens red card and VAR rules as referees regain control

UEFA is introducing stricter refereeing measures for the new European season, with changes to VAR, red cards and time-wasting rules designed to put match officials back at the centre of decision-making.

UEFA refereeing chief Roberto Rosetti said the governing body wants to reduce unnecessary technological interference and give referees greater authority to manage matches.

“We want to try to come back a little bit and to put the referees again at the centre,” Rosetti said, according to the BBC.

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VAR interventions to be reduced

Under UEFA’s approach, VAR will be restricted primarily to clear errors rather than being used to routinely review marginal incidents or second-guess decisions made by referees on the pitch.

The move reflects UEFA’s desire to preserve the authority of on-field officials while limiting interruptions that can affect the flow of matches.

VAR will continue to be available for major incidents, but referees are expected to retain greater control over decisions that fall within their judgement.

New measures target time-wasting

UEFA is also introducing stricter measures to tackle deliberate delays.

Goalkeepers will have 10 seconds to release the ball after gaining possession with their hands. If they exceed the limit, the opposing team will be awarded a corner.

The rules also target substitutions. Players leaving the field must do so within 10 seconds. If they fail to meet the requirement, their replacement will have to wait…