Serie A chiefs meet over new rules to increase effective playing time
Quick summary
Serie A executives held a meeting to discuss potential new rules aimed at increasing the effective playing time during matches.
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Attributed to original sourceSerie 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.”
REGGIO NELL’EMILIA, ITALY – APRIL 01: Keep Racism Out logo is seen prior to the Serie A TIM match between US Sassuolo and Udinese Calcio at Mapei Stadium – Citta’ del Tricolore on April 01, 2024 in Reggio nell’Emilia, Italy. (Photo by Emmanuele Ciancaglini/Getty Images) 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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What happened
Serie A's leadership convened to evaluate new regulations intended to reduce time-wasting and increase the actual amount of football played during matches. The proposals are part of broader efforts across European leagues to crack down on gamesmanship, particularly around goalkeepers holding the ball and players delaying restarts. The discussions reflect a growing trend toward enforcement measures that could alter tactical approaches and game management across the Italian top flight.
Chance analysis
Serie A's move to address effective playing time signals a league-wide push to modernize the viewing and competitive product. With similar conversations taking place across Europe's major leagues, the direction of travel is clear: governing bodies want fewer stoppages and more active play. Should concrete rules emerge, the tactical calculus for managers — particularly around game management, substitutions, and goalkeeper behavior — could shift meaningfully in the coming season.
Potential new rules could marginally increase effective playing time and change tactical approaches to game management across Serie A.