Serie A chiefs meet over new rules designed to ‘increase effective playing time of matches
VENICE, ITALY - MAY 27: Referee Daniele Orsato makes his way on the pitch with assistants Alessandro Giallatini and Fabiano Preti during the Serie B Playoffs Final match between Venezia FC and AS Cittadella at Stadio Pier Luigi Penzo on May 27, 2021 in Venice, Italy. (Photo by Nicolo Zangirolami/Getty Images)
Serie A’s referees’ body and the league’s twenty clubs held a briefing on Tuesday to run through the regulatory changes coming into force for the 2026/27 season, with reducing dead time in matches the central theme.
According to ANSA, via CalcioMercato, the meeting was led by AIA technical director Domenico Messina and chief referee designator Daniele Orsato, alongside representatives of all twenty top-flight clubs and Lega Serie A officials.
“It’s essential that all the necessary technical information is provided before kick-off, especially regarding the regulatory changes introduced this season,” Messina said.
“We will always be ready to provide any clarification on the application of the rules and their interpretation, for ever greater clarity and a productive mutual relationship.”
Substitutions, throw-ins and goal kicks all under scrutiny in Serie A rule shake-up
The changes, largely adapted from protocols trialled at this summer’s World Cup, target stoppages in play: substituted players will have just 10 seconds to leave the pitch once the board is raised, or their replacement will be held back until the next stoppage.
Throw-ins and goal kicks will be subject to a five-second countdown, with a corner awarded against any side that stalls beyond it and players receiving treatment will need to stay off the pitch for a full minute after the restart.
VAR’s powers have also been widened to cover mistaken identity and clearly incorrect second yellow cards.
Lega Serie A CEO Luigi De Siervo framed the session as preparation rather than novelty: “Many of the changes introduced will concern situations where play is stopped, with the aim of increasing the effective playing time of matches, making games even more dynamic and spectacular… The collaboration between Lega Calcio Serie A and the AIA on these issues is fundamental to guaranteeing the best application of the new rules.”
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