UEFA has introduced new refereeing regulations ahead of the 2026/27 Champions League, Europa League and Conference League seasons, with changes covering handball after goal kicks, VAR intervention, substitutions and injury situations.
The new rules were outlined by UEFA’s head of refereeing, Roberto Rosetti, during the Champions League draw in Monaco on Thursday.
Under the revised regulation, a player who handles the ball inside the penalty area after a goal kick has been taken will concede a penalty, regardless of whether the handball was deliberate.
The clarification follows an incident involving Barcelona and Atletico Madrid in last season’s Champions League. Atletico defender Marc Pubill used his hand to position the ball before playing it with his foot, despite goalkeeper Juan Musso having already taken the goal kick.
Rosetti said the change is intended to remove uncertainty over how referees should interpret such situations.
UEFA has also issued fresh instructions on the use of Video Assistant Referee (VAR). Referees have been told to take responsibility for decisions on the pitch, with VAR intervention reserved for clear and obvious errors.
“We want them to be resolute. The Video Assistant Referee is a significant initiative, but we expect the referees on the field to make the calls,” Rosetti said.
He added that UEFA does not want VAR to be used to review every disputed decision or for referees to become dependent on the technology.
“We seek clear evidence and obvious mistakes that warrant VAR intervention. We do not favour minute situations,” he said.
The updated regulations have been communicated to clubs, coaches and players as UEFA seeks greater consistency in the application of the laws across its competitions.
The new guidelines also introduce measures aimed at reducing time-wasting during substitutions. Players who take more than 10 seconds to leave the field could face sanctions.
UEFA has further clarified procedures relating to injuries and the restart of play after goals as part of the wider refereeing changes for the new European season.
