The Italian Referees’ Association (AIA) has officially confirmed a series of rule interpretations and protocol adjustments for the upcoming 2026-27 Serie A season. These changes, designed to enhance the flow of the game and clarify officiating standards, align with recommendations adopted by IFAB following the 2026 World Cup. As is standard practice, coaches and players will review these guidelines before the season begins to ensure consistency in their application.
A major focus of the update is expanding the scope of VAR to correct decisions that could impact match results. Those include giving VAR extra powers to correct decisions that could affect the result, for example an incorrect second yellow card, using the ‘mistaken identity’ rule. Additionally, VAR may overturn incorrect corner kick decisions, provided the intervention does not cause significant delays to play.
To combat persistent issues with limited active playing time, Serie A is introducing stricter protocols for substitutions and restarts. Players must now leave the field within 10 seconds of their number being displayed by the fourth official; failure to do so will result in their replacement being barred from entering until play stops, or at least until a full minute of play has resumed. Furthermore, a five-second countdown will be enforced for throw-ins and goal kicks. Exceeding this limit grants the opposition the throw-in or a corner kick.
Injury protocols have also been updated to mirror World Cup standards. Players requiring on-field treatment must wait at least one minute before returning to play, with exceptions only for serious head clashes, injuries resulting from fouls that warrant a card, or incidents involving goalkeepers. In disciplinary matters, referees are now empowered to issue a straight red card if a player covers their mouth while engaging in provocative or offensive interactions with an opponent. Other adjustments are to the DOGSO protocol (denial of a clear goal-scoring opportunity), so if a referee plays the advantage and the team manages to score a goal, there will be no card for the foul in the build-up. Another change is for penalties, if a player slips and kicks the ball with both feet, it has until now been disallowed.
