Belgian Jup Jupiler Pro League adopts World Cup‑style VAR announcements and stricter time‑wasting rules

The Jupiler Pro League announced that from the 2026‑27 season referees will publicly announce VAR checks and decisions using stadium PA systems and large‑screen displays, mirroring FIFA World Cup practice. The move aims to give fans immediate context for penalties, red cards and other reviews and to reduce confusion during reviews.

In parallel, the league introduced tighter time‑wasting controls: a player has ten seconds to leave the field on a substitution, with a yellow card for deliberate delay; throw‑ins and goal kicks must be taken within five seconds or the opponent receives a restart. Additional changes include new VAR intervention scenarios, injury‑handling procedures, allowance for non‑dangerous accessories, and clarified advantage and ball‑possession rules. The reforms are overseen by the Professional Refereeing Department and the Royal Belgian Football Association to ensure consistent application across all matches.