KNVB introduces new match rules and digital requirements

The KNVB is introducing new regulations for the upcoming football season aimed at increasing game tempo and reducing time-wasting. Key changes include a ten-second limit for substituted players to leave the field; failure to comply results in the substitute waiting at least one minute. Additionally, referees may implement a five-second countdown for throw-ins and goal kicks to prevent stalling. If play does not resume within that time, possession is awarded to the opposing team, or a corner kick is awarded in the case of a goal kick.

Regarding player safety and flow, players receiving medical treatment on the field must remain off the pitch for at least one minute before returning, unless the injury resulted from a foul that earned the opponent a yellow card.

Furthermore, the use of digital match forms remains mandatory for all teams, including youth categories from JO8 to JO12. Coaches and team managers are responsible for manually entering all players and staff members into the Wedstrijdzaken App before every match, as the automatic population of team rosters has been discontinued.