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Champions League refereeing gets a “new” approach: Three key changes and an Argentine goalkeeper’s example

From Clarín · () Spanish

Translated from Spanish and summarized by DistantNews. Read the original for the full story.

At a glance

Explainer Sources not specified New plan
  • IFAB-authorized changes will target unnecessary time-wasting and expand the areas in which VAR can intervene in Champions League matches.
  • Optional rule changes will also affect refereeing procedures, but covering the mouth while insulting an opponent will not warrant a red card.
  • The rule clarification follows an incident involving Argentine player Prestianni and Vinicius in Benfica’s match against Real Madrid last season.

Champions League refereeing is preparing for a “new” approach built around three key changes: cutting unnecessary time-wasting, expanding VAR’s areas of action and applying optional rule changes authorized by IFAB.

The adjustments are presented as measures that will alter how matches are managed. They focus on delays that do not contribute to the game and on situations in which video review can become involved.

One clarification concerns a red-card incident from last season. Argentine Prestianni covered his mouth while insulting Brazilian player Vinicius during Benfica’s match against Real Madrid. Under the changes, that gesture alone will not lead to a sending-off.

The new refereeing framework therefore combines tighter control of time-wasting with broader VAR possibilities, while drawing a line around how concealed insults are punished.

About this summary

Originally published by Clarín in Spanish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized automatically by DistantNews, with a note on how the source frames the story. Not individually reviewed before publishing. How this works.

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