Roberto Rosetti, Chairman of the UEFA Referees Committee, has unveiled a series of new amendments for the upcoming season of European competitions, including the Champions League. These changes aim to reduce time-wasting, increase actual playing time, and simplify the use of VAR.
According to the German news agency, Rosetti stated that UEFA will take a tougher stance on time-wasting, particularly during player substitutions and medical treatment on the pitch.
Under the new regulations, a substituted player will have 10 seconds to leave the field. If they exceed this limit, they will be required to wait one minute on the sidelines before being allowed to re-enter play. The same one-minute waiting rule will apply to any player who receives on-field medical treatment after play has been stopped.
UEFA on VAR
Regarding VAR, Rosetti emphasized that the technology should remain a tool for correcting clear errors rather than a means of constant interference in refereeing decisions or match management.
He stated that VAR “must correct clear errors only and not replace the referee in managing the game.” He also noted that UEFA is monitoring the time spent on VAR reviews.
Rosetti explained that reviews exceeding 90 seconds could turn the VAR system into what he described as a “microscope,” which risks undermining its credibility. He confirmed that UEFA will work with all 55 European national associations to establish a unified standard for review times.
However, Rosetti expressed support for VAR intervention in exceptional circumstances, such as correcting an expulsion decision if a player receives an undeserved second yellow card, noting the significant impact such a decision can have on the match outcome.
Clarification on mouth-covering and water breaks
The UEFA Referees Committee Chairman clarified that players will not be penalized simply for covering their mouths while speaking on the pitch. However, he stressed that any abusive behaviour later proven through investigations — especially cases involving suspected racism — will be met with strict disciplinary action.
Rosetti also announced a change to the policy on water breaks. These will no longer be mandatory for every European match; instead, the decision will be made on a game-by-game basis, factoring in local climate and temperatures.
Crucially, the responsibility for measuring the temperature and deciding whether to implement a water break will now lie with the official UEFA delegate, rather than the refereeing team.
These amendments are part of UEFA’s ongoing effort to minimise unnecessary stoppages and maximise active playing time, while ensuring that the referee remains the primary authority on the pitch and that modern technology remains a supportive tool rather than a dominant force in the game.
Featured image via UEFA Website
By Alaa Shamali
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