UEFA implements new refereeing rules to reduce time-wasting

UEFA referee designator Roberto Rosetti has issued updated guidelines for refereeing and VAR interventions ahead of the Champions League group stage. The new rules aim to reduce time-wasting and accelerate the resumption of play. Key updates include stricter protocols for substitutions, where a player must leave the pitch within 10 seconds to avoid delaying the substitute, and specific time limits for players receiving medical treatment.

In Serie A, these new directives against time-wasting are already showing statistical results. Effective playing time has increased to an average of 59 minutes and 5 seconds per match, an increase of over five minutes compared to the same period in the 2024-25 season. Additionally, early data shows a rise in total goals and a notable absence of scoreless draws and penalty kicks during the opening matches.