UEFA tightens its handball penalty rule after goal kicks, limits VAR to clear errors and warns players over slow substitutions. Feature images from Monaco

UEFA head of refereeing Roberto Rosetti told clubs in Monaco on Thursday, 27 August 2026, that a player who handles the ball inside the penalty area after a goal kick will concede a penalty, whether or not that player meant to restart play.

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Mr Rosetti set out the instruction while briefing media before the Champions League draw. The same guidance will apply in the Europa League and the Conference League.

The change follows last season’s Champions League tie between Barcelona and Atletico Madrid. After goalkeeper Juan Musso had already taken a goal kick, Atletico defender Marc Pubill handled the ball to set it down, then played it with his foot. No penalty was given. Under the new reading, that action would be punished.

UEFA wants one standard, not rival interpretations. Mr Rosetti said referees had applied the law differently in similar moments and that the organisation was tired of the argument.

He also narrowed how the Video Assistant Referee should work. On-field officials must make the first call.

VAR, he said, is there for clear evidence and obvious mistakes, not for every disputed touch.

“We want them to be resolute. The Video Assistant Referee is a significant initiative, but we expect the referees on the field to make the calls,” Mr Rosetti said. “We do not want the Video Assistant Referee to reassess decisions, nor do we want referees who rely on its input. We seek clear evidence and obvious mistakes that warrant VAR intervention. We do not favour minute situations.”

Time-wasting is another target. A player who takes more than 10 seconds to leave the pitch at a substitution may be punished.

UEFA has also given referees fresh guidance on injuries and on how play should restart after a goal.

Not every global experiment is coming into Europe. Unlike the recent World Cup, UEFA will not show an automatic red card when a player covers his mouth to speak to an opponent. A yellow card remains possible if the referee judges the act unsporting.

The package has already been sent to players, coaches and clubs. UEFA’s aim is consistency across its competitions, on the grass and in the VAR room.

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Whether that holds once the first disputed goal-kick handball arrives will be the real test of the Uefa handball penalty rule.