New rule changes ahead of the 2026/27 season

Most of the rules that have been introduced at the FIFA World Cup 2026 will also soon be used in the Bundesliga and Bundesliga 2 from the coming 2026/27 season. While there is a particular desire to reduce time-wasting, other areas, such as VAR protocols, will also be affected.

Time management

Goal-kicks and throw-ins

In an attempt to restart play quickly following the ball going out of play, referees will be able to use a five-second countdown at goal-kicks and throw-ins. If this time limit is exceeded, the goal-kick becomes a corner for the opposing team, while the throw-in will change hands.

Substitutions

When being replaced, players have 10 seconds to leave the pitch. If they exit the field of play after the allotted time, the teammate who comes on will have to wait until the first break in play after a minute has elapsed to enter the action.

Injury breaks

Players who require treatment on the pitch, leading to a break in play, must leave the field and remain off it for one minute after play resumes. There are certain exceptions to this rule, such as goalkeepers.

Referee and VAR interventions

VAR intervention regarding second yellow cards

From 2026/27, VAR will be able to intervene in events where a second yellow card that leads to a red was clearly a wrong decision. They will also be able to intervene in all cases of mistaken identity, where the wrong player receives a booking.

Playing advantage

There are rule changes regarding sanctions for the denial of a goalscoring opportunity if a goal is ultimately scored after an advantage is played. Unlike previously, players will no longer be cautioned if the ball hits the back of the net. Additionally, referees may also play advantage following an incorrect restart – for example, regarding the throw-in location or the requirement for the ball to be stationary.

No changes

Following consultation between the Football Commission and DFB Schiri GmbH (German football’s refereering association), it has been confirmed that none of the International Football Association Board’s optional rule changes will be adopted. Specifically, this means:

• No VAR review of the referee’s corner-kick decisions
• No red card for covering the mouth with the hand or shirt in confrontational situations
• No red card for leaving the pitch in protest against the referee

If a player covers their mouth, the referee may caution that player if, in a confrontational situation, the referee deems this to be unsporting behaviour (for example, because it triggers a scuffle).

In other words, the yellow card is conditional on the covering of the mouth being deemed unsporting behaviour.