Serie A 2025/26: new rules for VAR, keepers, added time, wages | OneFootball

The next Serie A season will be remembered as one of the most innovative in recent years. Many regulatory innovations, some of historical significance, will come into effect with the aim of making matches more dynamic, reducing time losses, increasing transparency in refereeing decisions, and ensuring greater economic sustainability for clubs.

Serie A 2025/26, revolution on the pitch: new rules on VAR, goalkeepers, recoveries, and salaries

VAR, the "announcement" arrives

The most anticipated innovation concerns the VAR explained live to the public. After each review, the referee will communicate the decision made and the motivation to the stadium (and therefore also to the viewers). A model already tested in other sports such as rugby, which aims to improve the understanding of refereeing choices and reduce protests. There is no maximum time limit for the announcement, leaving referees free to choose their language and timing.

Goalkeepers: the 8-second rule

New restrictions also apply to the time goalkeepers have to hold the ball. From this season, they will have a maximum of eight seconds to clear the ball. If they exceed the limit, a corner kick will be awarded to the opposing team. The referee will count the last five seconds with their hand to make the count clear. The rule was introduced after the good results obtained in the Club World Cup.

Penalties and double touch

After the Alvarez case in Atlético-Real, the specific case of double touch on penalties (with both feet or with the supporting leg) is regulated:

If the ball enters the goal, the penalty must be retaken.

If the outcome is negative, an indirect free kick will be awarded to the opposing team.

In case of deliberate touch, the indirect free kick will be awarded directly.

Stop to protests: yellow card also for the captain

The new season will see zero tolerance towards protests. Any player who expresses dissent with words or gestures will be cautioned, including the captain. A crackdown aimed at containing tensions on the pitch and ensuring greater respect for the refereeing class.

Immediate recovery of interrupted matches

New rules also apply to the recovery of unplayed or suspended matches:

If a match is not played, it must be recovered the next day, unless there are force majeure reasons (bad weather, impracticality of the field, close commitments, or national team breaks).

The same rule applies to the resumption of interrupted matches.

If it is not possible to resume within 24 hours, the match will be rescheduled for the first available date.

The goal is to avoid long waits, which in the past have affected the regularity of the championship and the standings.

Serie A abroad: a first in history

Another historic innovation: for the first time, a Serie A match will be played abroad. It is Milan-Como, valid for the 24th matchday, which will be played on the weekend of February 7-8, 2026, in Perth, Australia. The decision is linked to the unavailability of San Siro, the venue for the opening ceremony of the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics.

Reduced salaries in case of relegation

Finally, from September 3, a clause will come into effect in the contracts of Serie A players: in case of relegation to Serie B, the fixed salary will be automatically reduced by 25%, unless different agreements are reached between the club and the player. A measure designed to help clubs contain costs and maintain economic sustainability even in case of a decline in revenue.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇮🇹 here.