TFF's new rules for the Süper Lig announced: 5-second rule against time-wasting

The new rules that the Turkish Football Federation (TFF) will implement in the 2026-2027 season of the Trendyol Süper Lig have been finalized. The regulations set by the federation under the presidency of İbrahim Hacıosmanoğlu aim to increase the time the ball remains in play and reduce controversial decisions.

In the new implementations, steps specifically targeting time-wasting stand out. More defined areas of sanction have been established for referees to prevent delays in player substitutions, injuries, throw-ins, and goal kicks.

• - Following the referee's substitution signal, the player leaving the game will be required to exit the pitch within 10 seconds. Otherwise, the substitute player will not be able to enter the game for one minute after play has restarted.
• - An injured player who causes the game to stop will remain off the pitch for one minute after play restarts, except in exceptional circumstances.
• - To prevent delays in restarting the game, a 5-second countdown will begin the moment the referee blows the whistle.
• - If a throw-in is delayed, possession will pass to the opposing team.
• - If a goal kick is delayed, a corner kick will be awarded to the opposing team.

NEW SCOPE FOR VAR

In the new season, some situations where the VAR system can intervene have also been expanded. Accordingly, red cards resulting from clearly erroneous second yellow cards and clearly incorrectly awarded corner kicks will be subject to VAR review.

VAR intervention will also be possible for violations that occur during set pieces before the ball enters play, which result in a goal or a penalty. Additionally, the system may be activated if it is determined that the referee has given a card or penalty to the wrong player.

Among the regulations is a clause regarding on-field communication. Covering the mouth will be penalized with a yellow card. If it is proven in post-match reviews that the concealed statements contained insults, disciplinary boards may impose additional sanctions.

Cooling breaks will only be implemented when the air temperature is 32 degrees or higher. Referees will ensure that the water break per half does not exceed 3 minutes. It is stated that the Süper Lig will begin on August 14.

News Source: 12punto