The UEFA tightens the rules on handball and referee communication

The Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) announced on Thursday, August 27, 2026, new directives for referees in its European competitions, coinciding with the UEFA Champions League draw in Monaco. Among the changes, a hand in the box, such as the one by Marc Pubill during the Champions League match between FC Barcelona and Atlético de Madrid, will now always result in a penalty, as football and its grey areas reveal. This measure will apply from this season onward, even if the player did not intend to touch the ball.

  Roberto Rosetti, head of the UEFA refereeing body, detailed these changes during a press conference. He emphasized the expected rigor from referees regarding interactions with players. "We do not want players surrounding the referee, and anyone who approaches will be cautioned," he stated. Only team captains will be allowed to address the referee without risk of sanction. Another notable change: this season, a player will no longer automatically receive a red card for covering their mouth when speaking to an opponent. The referee may instead issue a yellow card if they deem the behavior unsporting, which could then lead to disciplinary action. "We have seen players demand a red card simply because an opponent covered their mouth, and we do not approve of this," Rosetti explained. He also reminded that the VAR will intervene in case of mistaken identity for a second yellow card. "I am sure we will see few interventions for identification errors in our competitions," he concluded.

Stricter rules on interactions with referees

UEFA aims to further regulate interactions between players and referees. Roberto Rosetti reiterated that only team captains will be permitted to speak directly with the referee without risk of sanction. Other players who approach will be cautioned. This measure seeks to prevent disputes and gatherings around referees, which often fuel tensions during matches. Rosetti also specified that referees must be particularly vigilant regarding unsporting behavior, such as covering the mouth when speaking to an opponent. In such cases, a yellow card may be issued, but not automatically a red card. This decision aims to avoid excessive protests and facilitate smoother gameplay.

Enhanced VAR to prevent identity errors

The UEFA has also reiterated the role of VAR in preventing identity errors, particularly for second yellow cards. Roberto Rosetti expressed confidence in the reduction of such errors thanks to VAR intervention. "I am sure we will see few interventions for identification errors in our competitions," he stated. This measure is part of a commitment to transparency and sporting justice. These new directives will apply from the 2026-2027 season onwards in all European competitions, including the Champions League. UEFA aims to clarify the rules and reduce disputes, while ensuring a more uniform application of refereeing sanctions. UEFA rankings show France slipping behind Portugal following OL's elimination, a context that makes these adjustments even more necessary to maintain the credibility of competitions.