Ten key changes in Champions League refereeing

Avoiding unnecessary time loss is one of the main principles behind UEFA’s refereeing guidance for this season. Under the updated approach, a player who stops a goalkeeper’s pass with a hand in the penalty area, as Atlético players Musso and Pubill did against Barcelona, can receive a red card.

UEFA highlighted the incident as part of its effort to unify refereeing standards through its “Clear Line” platform. The rules also clarify that players who have been substituted must leave the field within 10 seconds. If they do not, the incoming player must wait until the first stoppage after one minute of play has elapsed.

Players who receive treatment must leave the field for one minute from the moment play resumes. The rule does not apply to goalkeepers, or when a goalkeeper and an outfield player collide and both need treatment. Exceptions include injuries caused by a foul that earns a yellow or red card, collisions involving two teammates, and penalties when the treated player will take the kick.

Delaying a throw-in or goal kick can result in a corner for the opposing team. Referees will use a five-second countdown to put the ball back into play. VAR will also be able to intervene in cases of mistaken identity, clearly incorrect second yellow cards, and clear attacking fouls before a free kick or corner is taken when the incident directly affects a resulting goal, penalty or other sanction.

The updated guidance says a goal, penalty or sanction in such cases will be canceled, and the free kick or corner retaken. It also states that when a stationary ball inside a team’s penalty area is kicked by any player, a goal kick has taken place. If a teammate of the goalkeeper deliberately handles the ball inside the area, the referee will award a penalty.