World Cup Rules Coming to Turkey's Super League

The Turkish Football Federation (TFF) has announced the integration of new football rules, first introduced at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, into the country's professional leagues. This move aims to standardize officiating and enhance the quality of play across the Super League and lower divisions.

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The application principles for the new game rules, first implemented in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, have been officially conveyed by UEFA to member federations and international referees.

Comprehensive training programs are being organized for referees and clubs to ensure a consistent understanding and application of the updated regulations. The TFF, in coordination with UEFA, will conduct seminars for referees, followed by public information sessions detailing the rule changes and their impact on domestic competitions. Clubs have been notified and are expected to submit their training requests by July 10, 2026.

The new rules are designed to streamline the game, focusing on improving match flow and minimizing disruptions. Key adjustments include a mandatory five-second countdown for goal kicks and throw-ins to speed up restarts. If a throw-in is delayed, possession will transfer to the opposing team, while delayed goal kicks will result in a corner kick for the opponent.

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As the Central Referee Board, in coordination with other national federations in Europe, we have planned a comprehensive training and information process to ensure the correct and common understanding of the new game rules before the 2026-2027 season.

Furthermore, player substitutions must now be completed within 10 seconds. These changes, which have already been implemented in preparatory matches and the World Cup, are intended to align Turkish football with international standards and ensure a smoother, more dynamic game for the 2026-2027 season.

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Our goal as the Central Referee Board is to ensure that the new game rules are correctly understood by all stakeholders, to strengthen the unity of application, and to start the 2026-2027 season in full compliance with international standards.