Spanish LaLiga Rejects Controversial Vinicius Rule

Spain's Comité Técnico de Árbitros (CTA) voted not to adopt the proposed "Vinicius Law" for the upcoming LaLiga season, aligning its decision with UEFA’s guidance. The rule, devised after Real Madrid forward Vinicius Junior repeatedly covered his mouth during on‑field exchanges, would have mandated an automatic expulsion for players doing so, aiming to curb hidden insults.

The CTA argued the rule’s subjectivity made enforcement impractical and could generate media storms. Instead, Spanish referees will focus on other reforms: stricter penalties for goalkeepers who feign injuries to waste time, a countdown for throw‑ins, a 10‑second limit on substitutions, and a mandatory minute for medical‑assisted players to remain off the pitch. The committee has also asked IFAB to permit a new sanction that temporarily reduces a team to ten players for a minute if a goalkeeper simulates an injury.

These measures are intended to combat time‑wasting and improve game flow while preserving existing disciplinary tools such as yellow cards for verbal abuse.