The new season is just around the corner, and with it comes a host of changes to the Laws of the Game that promise to improve the flow and pace of matches in Romania’s top division, Superliga.
One of the most significant changes is the introduction of a new time limit for substituted players, who will now have just ten seconds to leave the field. This is designed to prevent delays and minimize the disruption caused by substitutions. According to Marian Barbu, an experienced referee from Făgăraș, “Compared to previous years, there are many changes to the Laws of the Game, and it’s all for the better. We won’t have dead time, or time-wasting anymore. The actual playing time will increase. In the early stages, it will take some getting used to, but it will help the players to apply the new rules.”
Another major change is the introduction of a new rule for players who receive medical attention on the pitch or cause a stoppage in play due to injury. These players will now be required to spend a minimum of one minute (in continuous play) outside the playing area after the game has resumed, in an effort to reduce the number of simulations and unfair advantages.
Similar to the World Cup this summer, Superliga will also introduce a new rule: covering one’s mouth while addressing an opponent will be sanctioned with a direct red card.
**Superliga’s New Laws: A Step in the Right Direction**
As Marian Barbu emphasized, “Each match contributes to our progress as referees. The more we referee well, the more matches we referee, the more confidence we gain, and the better we become.” The new changes are designed to improve the overall quality of the game and reduce the number of controversies.
**VAR’s Expanded Role in Superliga**
The Video Assistant Referee (VAR) will also play a more significant role in Superliga this season. VAR can now intervene in cases where a red card is issued incorrectly, or when a second yellow card is given in error. Additionally, VAR can also correct mistakes in awarding corner kicks.
The introduction of a countdown timer of five seconds will also be used to penalize teams that delay the throw-in, with the ball being awarded to the opposing team if the time limit is exceeded.
**Rising Stars in the World of Refereeing**
Two young referees, Gabriel Mihuleac and Florin Iftode, have been promoted to the top division after attending the recent seminar organized by the Central Commission of Arbitrators. Mihuleac, 28, has been included on the list of central referees and is eager to take on the challenge. “It’s an honor to be promoted to the top league, after nine years as a divizionar referee. I’ve worked hard to demonstrate my worth, and I’m excited to take on the biggest stages in the world.” Mihuleac’s dream is to make it to the FIFA list of top referees.
As the new season gets underway, fans and players alike can expect to see a more efficient and exciting game, thanks to these changes to the Laws of the Game.
Superliga’s top referees will have to adapt quickly to these new rules, but with a bit of time, they will become second nature, and the game will be all the better for it.