[Saba Sports News] The Italian Referees’ Association (AIA) has recently unveiled a raft of amendments to officiating regulations for the 2026/27 season. During this summer’s FIFA World Cup, players who cover their mouths while exchanging heated words with opponents are liable to receive an immediate red card. However, the AIA has confirmed that Italian domestic leagues will not adopt this rule for the upcoming campaign. FIFA previously stated that each national federation holds the discretion to decide whether to implement this clause. Additionally, the AIA has introduced a new injury protocol: any player who leaves the pitch for on-side medical treatment must stay off the field for a minimum of one full minute before being permitted to re-enter play. In past seasons, the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) was only authorised to intervene in pivotal calls involving goals, penalties and straight red cards. Under the new Italian framework, VAR will now have the power to review decisions leading to a player’s sending-off via a second yellow card. The technology may also step in to correct clearly erroneous corner kick awards, with a mandate for swift reviews to avoid intervening only after the corner has been taken and a goal scored.
The editor believes that officiating standards in Italy are set to align with UEFA’s enforcement style. Referees will no longer issue straight red cards to players who cover their mouths during confrontations with opponents, as a yellow card will suffice. More lenient treatment will also apply to players who briefly leave the pitch to vent their frustrations over decisions. While the above reforms are to be rolled out across Serie A, Serie B and Serie C are still weighing up whether to adopt them, partly due to insufficient video surveillance equipment available at lower-tier stadiums.