Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports

La Liga VAR Shake-Up: Coaches to Get Challenge Power Next Season

New La Liga Rule To Allow Two VAR Appeals per Team During Each Match.

Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports

La Liga is set to usher in a groundbreaking change in its Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system from the coming 2025-26 season. They are aiming to improve transparency, reduce controversy, and increase fairness across all matches. Mainly after multiple seasons marred by disputed officiating decisions.

The Spanish Referees Committee have confirmed that they are implementing a new VAR protocol that will allow coaches to challenge refereeing decisions directly. As per reports from COPE Radio, under the new regulations, each manager will be granted two VAR challenge opportunities per match.

🚨🇪🇸 La Liga zamierza wprowadzić rewolucyjną zmianę w nadchodzącym sezonie:

✅ Trenerzy otrzymają możliwość dwukrotnego poproszenia 📺 VAR o sprawdzenie sytuacji meczowej. Jeśli prośba będzie zasadna zachowają możliwości weryfikacji.

ℹ️ El Partidazo de COPE#LaLiga pic.twitter.com/iJha702EwF
— Flashscore.pl (@FlashScorePL) July 29, 2025

If a challenge occurs where an incorrect decision needs to be overturned, the coach will hold the ability to make a challenge. However, if the on-field referee’s decision stands, the team and coach will lose one of their two challenge opportunities. In matches that extend to extra time, a third challenge may be granted.

The system will focus strictly on four types of incidents: goals, penalties, direct red cards, and cases of mistaken identity. Coaches and, in some circumstances, players can initiate these reviews. It will shift some decision-making power away from the referees and into the hands of team staff.

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According to El Partidazo de COPE, the change is expected to reduce the pressure on match officials. Importantly, this rule will apply uniformly to all La Liga teams without exception. Hence, it will also promote a more balanced playing environment for all clubs.

Global Endorsement and Future Prospects

Reportedly, FIFA’s Head of Refereeing, Pierluigi Collina acknowledged that the system is being closely monitored. As per reports, it has already also received approval from IFAB, ready to roll out in other top leagues soon. The updated regulations will also impose a strict 90-second window.

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The player or coach will get 90 seconds to finalize their decisions once they make a challenge. There may be point made that this will lead to missed nuances during critical moments, especially in high-stakes matches. However, it is necessary to speed up the process to keep the rhythm of the play intact.

The reform follows a turbulent La Liga 2024-25 season filled with officiating controversies. Especially in matches for Real Madrid and Barcelona. One particularly heated clash between Real Madrid and Almeria featured three controversial VAR calls. The Referees Committee even acknowledged later that two among them were erroneous.

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La Liga

La Liga 2025-26

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Moumita Dutta

soccer

Football writer at The Playoffs. I’ve been obsessed with the beautiful game since I was a kid.. Eventually, I realized I could combine my passion for writing with my love for football, and I’ve never looked back. My favorite part of the job is everything—when you’re doing what you love, even a late-night deadline feels like extra time in a thrilling cup final. Lastly, Lionel Messi is the GOAT.