Romanian Football Federation rolls out new 2026‑27 match rules

The Romanian Football Federation (FRF) announced a set of rule changes for the 2026‑27 season aimed at speeding up play and improving fairness. Substitutions will be limited to 10 seconds for the player leaving the pitch; exceeding this will delay the incoming substitute until the next stoppage after a minute of continuous play. Players receiving on‑field medical treatment will generally have to stay off the field for one minute after play resumes, curbing time‑wasting and simulation.

The video‑assistant referee (VAR) system will gain new powers, including overturning a red card issued after an evident second yellow, correcting mistaken player identification, and fixing an incorrectly awarded corner kick without delaying the game. Disciplinary adjustments remove yellow cards for advantage situations that lead to a goal, introduce a visible five‑second countdown for throw‑ins, and impose a direct red for players who cover their mouth while confronting an opponent.

A VAR hub will be installed at the National Football Center in Mogoșoaia, with technical support from Sportec. Referees, assistants and observers attended a three‑day summer seminar (5‑7 July) in Mogoșoaia and Buftea, where they received briefings on the new regulations and practical VAR training. Several referees and assistants did not complete the required physical tests and will be re‑evaluated before receiving league assignments.