Spanish football adopts new IFAB rules for 2026‑27 season

The Real Federación Española de Fútbol (RFEF) announced a comprehensive set of rule changes that will apply to LaLiga and other Spanish competitions from the 2026‑27 season. A softened version of the “Vini Jr. law” will now issue a yellow card, not a red, when a player covers his mouth during an argument. Substituted players must leave the field within ten seconds; if they exceed this limit the replacement may not enter until the next stoppage after one minute of play. Any player receiving on‑field medical treatment must stay off the pitch for one minute, with a designated outfield player leaving the field for a minute when a goalkeeper is treated.

Additional measures target time‑wasting: a five‑second visual countdown will be used for delayed throw‑ins, and a corner will be awarded if a goal‑kick is not taken promptly. Penalty kicks will be retaken if the kicker accidentally touches the ball twice. The VAR system will be given expanded authority to review second yellow cards, clear cases of mistaken identity, and certain corner‑kick decisions.

Separately, UEFA announced that the suspension threshold in the league phase of its club competitions will rise from three to four yellow cards, with subsequent suspensions occurring after every two additional yellows. These changes are part of a broader effort by IFAB, UEFA and national federations to speed up play and improve officiating consistency across Europe.