The Spanish League Referees Committee has officially announced the new regulations for the upcoming 2026/2027 season, which include changes that were applied during the upcoming 2026 World Cup tournament.
The Spanish Football League season is scheduled to kick off later in August, with Barcelona and Real Madrid beginning their campaign from the second matchday due to a number of their players reaching the semi-final and final stages of the World Cup.
The new amendments for the new season of the Spanish League included, first, expanding the powers of video technology to correct the identity of the player who received a yellow card and to review some obvious errors such as awarding corner kicks, in addition to some cases of incorrectly receiving a second yellow card.
Second, any player who deliberately covers his mouth (Vinicius law) while speaking to the referee or opponents to hide what he is saying shall receive a yellow card, with the possibility of additional sanctions if the use of offensive language is proven.
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Third, increased sanctions for time-wasting, as a player leaving the pitch must exit within 10 seconds, otherwise the substitute's entry will be delayed when play stops after one minute of play.
Fourth, a new rule for goalkeepers: when play is stopped due to a goalkeeper injury, one player from the team must leave the pitch for one minute after play resumes; this player is chosen by the coach, and the duration is 10 seconds, otherwise the team captain must leave.
Fifth, new sanctions for delaying the restart of play: if a throw-in is not taken within 5 seconds, the ball is awarded to the opposing team, and if the goalkeeper delays taking a goal kick, a corner kick is awarded to the other team.
Sixth, if the penalty taker accidentally touches the ball twice and scores, the kick is retaken, and if it does not enter the goal, it is considered missed.
Finally, water breaks will only be applied when the temperature reaches 32 degrees Celsius or higher and will not be mandatory, with the referee granted the authority to allow them when needed.