Israeli Football Implements New Rules on Substitutions, Injuries, and VAR for 2026/27 Season

Ahead of the 2026/27 football season, a series of official rule changes will take effect in Israeli football, aligning with international updates. Key modifications include stricter limits on substitution procedures, protocols for handling injured players, adjustments to game restarts, and expanded use of the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system.

One major change mandates that substituted players must leave the field within 10 seconds of the substitution signal. Failure to do so means the substitute can only enter at the next stoppage after at least one minute has passed. A yellow card will be issued only for significant delays. Goalkeepers are exempt from this timing rule but must exit via the goal line.

Regarding injuries, players treated or examined on the field must remain off the pitch for one minute after play resumes, regardless of injury severity. An exception applies if the injury resulted from a foul warranting a yellow or red card; in such cases, the player may stay on the field after treatment.

Game restart procedures have also been updated. Referees can apply advantage even if the opposing team gains possession following an incorrect restart, such as a throw-in or free kick taken from the wrong spot or when the ball was not stationary. If play is stopped due to interference with the referee or external factors, the referee's ball will be awarded to the team expected to retain or gain possession. Deliberate delays in restarts can lead to sanctions, including transferring throw-ins or awarding corner kicks to the opposing team. A visual five-second countdown will be used for throw-ins and goal kicks.

The VAR protocol now covers new scenarios, including correcting mistaken second yellow cards leading to a red, overturning incorrect cancellations of corner kicks, and reviewing fouls before corners or free kicks that result in goals or penalties. VAR reviews of wrongly canceled corners will only occur if they can be completed immediately without delaying the game.

Additional guidelines address unsporting behavior such as deliberately covering the mouth during protests, which may result in yellow cards. Post-match disciplinary action can be taken if offensive remarks are discovered. Leaving the field in protest will not automatically lead to ejection but will be handled according to existing disciplinary rules.