Bolivian football adopts new global rules to protect playing time

Bolivian football is embracing the latest FIFA regulations, bringing its game in line with international standards from the start of the 2026 season. These changes, many of which were visible during the recent World Cup, aim to enhance the flow and integrity of the game.

Key among the new rules are time restrictions designed to maximize playing time. Players now have five seconds for goal kicks and throw-ins, while goalkeepers must restart play within eight seconds of gaining possession. Failure to comply will result in the opposing team being awarded a throw-in or corner kick, depending on the infraction.

Further adjustments include a 10-second limit for substituted players to leave the field, with a one-minute exclusion penalty for the incoming player if the departing player delays. The league is also implementing a multi-ball system, requiring 15 balls to be in play during matches, and new protocols for medical attention, mandating players leave the field for one minute after treatment unless it's a serious injury.

Innovations extend to VAR usage, with provisions for reversing clearly incorrect double yellow card decisions leading to a red card. While direct red card reviews and identity corrections remain, the league is yet to implement the public announcement of VAR decisions, a practice seen in the World Cup where referees communicated their rulings to the stadium audience.