Israeli Football Introduces New Rules on Substitutions, Injuries, and VAR Usage

Starting from the upcoming season, Israeli football will implement several significant rule changes affecting substitutions, injury protocols, time-wasting, and VAR (Video Assistant Referee) procedures. One key update requires players being substituted to leave the field within 10 seconds of the substitution being announced. Failure to do so means the substitute can only enter at the next stoppage and after at least one minute has passed. This rule excludes goalkeepers, and only serious violations will result in a yellow card.

Another change mandates that players treated for injuries 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 that earned a yellow or red card. To combat deliberate delays, referees can now count down five seconds for throw-ins or goal kicks; if the restart is delayed, possession will switch to the opposing team.

Regarding fouls that prevent a clear goal-scoring opportunity, if the referee allows advantage and a goal is scored, no yellow or red card will be issued for that foul. Additionally, the assessment of such opportunities will now consider the number and positioning of attacking players.

The VAR protocol has also been expanded for the 2026/2027 season. New reviewable incidents include red cards issued due to a mistaken second yellow, incorrectly awarded corner kicks, and fouls occurring before a corner or free kick that lead to a goal or penalty. UEFA and the Israeli Football Association have decided against automatic sending off for players covering their mouths while speaking or leaving the field in protest, though such actions may be deemed unsporting behavior and result in a yellow card.