The new rules introduced in Serie A No more time wasting

Among the new rules introduced in Serie A for the 2026/27 season, the one that immediately caught the most attention is the rule already dubbed the “Five-Second Rule”. Its ultimate aim is to reduce time-wasting and, consequently, increase effective playing time. A result that was fully achieved on the opening matchday. As reconstructed by journalist Matteo Di Giangi on X, the average duration of the 10 Serie A matches was around 58 minutes, while on the opening matchday of last season it had stopped at 52 and a half minutes.

How does the five-second rule work?

On goal kicks, the referee can intervene in the event of a deliberate delay: they prompt the player to take the kick and start a visual five-second countdown. If the goal kick is not taken within this time, a corner kick is awarded to the opposing team.

The same procedure also applies to throw-ins: if the referee believes a player is deliberately delaying the restart, they can start a five-second countdown, signalling the remaining seconds with a raised arm. If the throw-in is not taken within the allotted time, possession is awarded to the opposing team.

In addition to this scenario, there is also the eight-second rule, which was already introduced last season. When the goalkeeper controls the ball with their hands, they have eight seconds to release it: after the first three seconds, the referee visually signals the final five with a countdown. Once the time expires, a corner kick is also awarded to the opposing team.

The 10-second rule for substitutions

Another new rule designed to reduce time-wasting and speed up restarts concerns substitutions. A player being substituted must leave the pitch within 10 seconds of their number appearing on the electronic board or of the referee’s signal. They must leave from the nearest point on the perimeter line, unless otherwise instructed by the referee, for example for safety reasons or in the event of an injury. If the player exceeds the 10-second limit, they must still leave the pitch, but the substitute cannot enter immediately: they will have to wait for one minute of playing time and can enter at the next stoppage in play.