LaLiga Hypermotion referee José Antonio Sánchez Villalobos, from Almería, visits the first-team squad to explain the new regulations being introduced for the 2026/27 season, with a particular focus on measures designed to reduce time-wasting
The UD Almería’s first-team squad are preparing for the new 2026/27 season on every level, including familiarising themselves with the latest changes to the Laws of the Game and new refereeing regulations. To that end, the Rojiblancos welcomed José Antonio Sánchez Villalobos, an Almería-born referee who officiates in LaLiga Hypermotion, who delivered a presentation to the players and coaching staff on the latest rules.
The session helped the players understand the new refereeing criteria and several situations they will need to pay particular attention to during matches, with special emphasis on measures aimed at speeding up the game and reducing time-wasting.
One of the most notable changes affects goalkeepers. A goalkeeper will no longer be allowed to hold the ball in their hands for more than 8 seconds. If they exceed that limit, the match official will award a corner-kick to the opposing team. The new measures regarding throw-ins and goal-kicks were also explained, with countdowns being introduced to prevent unnecessary delays when play is restarted.
Substitutions are another area where changes have been made. A substituted player will have a maximum of 10 seconds to leave the pitch. If they exceed that time, the substitute will have to wait before entering the pitch.
The new rules also include measures aimed at reducing stoppages caused by injuries and medical treatment. For instance, if play is stopped because a goalkeeper is deemed to have simulated an injury, the goalkeeper may receive medical attention on the pitch, but a team-mate will then have to leave the pitch for 1 minute.
VAR will also have slightly broader powers, with the possibility of intervening in cases where a second yellow card has clearly been shown incorrectly, as well as in certain cases of mistaken identity. Clarifications have also been introduced regarding penalty kicks, particularly when the taker accidentally touches the ball twice.
The Almería-born ref went through these and other situations with the Rojiblancos, with the overall aim of the changes being to make the game more dynamic and reduce unnecessary time-wasting.