The wait is almost over! On Saturday at 20:30 CEST, our Wolves kick off their 2. Bundesliga campaign at home to 1. FC Kaiserslautern. Several rule changes come into effect with the start of the season, many of which were already applied at the World Cup in the USA, Canada and Mexico. Their primary aim is to reduce stoppages and improve the flow of the game. There are also changes regarding VAR and disciplinary sanctions that you should be aware of.
Time-wasting
Goal kicks and throw-ins
If a team delays taking a goal kick or throw-in, the referee can signal a five-second countdown. If play is not restarted in time, the opposition are awarded a corner in the case of a goal kick. In the case of a throw-in, possession is awarded to the opposition.
Substitutions
Once a substitution has been indicated, the player being replaced has ten seconds to leave the pitch. If they exceed this time limit, the substitute must wait for one minute after play has restarted. They may then enter the pitch at the next stoppage. Until then, the team play with one player fewer. Exceptions apply if the player is unable to leave the pitch in time for safety reasons or due to injury.
Injury stoppages
If a player is assessed or treated on the pitch, or if their injury causes a stoppage or delays the restart of play, they must subsequently leave the pitch. Once play has restarted, they must remain off the pitch for one minute. After that, they may return with the referee’s permission, even while play is ongoing.
Exceptions include injuries to the goalkeeper or cases in which a player is injured by a physical offence for which the opposing player is cautioned or sent off.
Disciplinary sanctions
VAR intervention for second yellow cards
In the 2026/2027 season, the video assistant may also intervene when a player is sent off for a second bookable offence if the second caution was clearly incorrect. Cases of mistaken identity can also be corrected if the referee shows a yellow or red card to the wrong player. In such cases, only the identity of the player concerned is reviewed.
Application of advantage
If a goal is scored after the referee plays advantage following the denial of an obvious goalscoring opportunity, the player responsible will no longer be cautioned. Referees may now also play advantage following an incorrectly executed restart – for example, if a throw-in is taken from the wrong place or if the ball is not completely stationary.
Covering the mouth
If a player covers their mouth during a confrontation with an opponent, this will not automatically result in a red card in the 2. Bundesliga. However, the referee may caution them if they deem it to constitute unsporting behaviour – for example, if it triggers a mass confrontation.
