The Scottish FA’s Head of Referee Operations, Willie Collum, has outlined a series of significant law changes that will come into effect ahead of the 2026/27 Scottish Premiership season.
The updates, which are designed to improve fairness and reduce time-wasting, will impact a number of situations that supporters are likely to see throughout the campaign, including second yellow cards, substitutions, throw-ins and the treatment of injured players.
One of the most notable changes involves players who are sent off after receiving a second yellow card. Under the new protocol, if VAR determines that the second caution was awarded incorrectly, the yellow card will be rescinded and the dismissal overturned. Previously, a second yellow card could not be reviewed in the same way, but the new interpretation allows officials to correct what Collum described as a clear error.
Time-wasting remains another major focus for referees. Players being substituted will now be expected to leave the field of play within ten seconds. If a player deliberately exceeds that limit by taking 15 or 20 seconds or longer, the incoming substitute will be forced to wait a full minute before entering the pitch. The aim is to discourage players from deliberately slowing the game down late in matches.
Throw-ins will also be monitored more closely. Referees will work to a five-second guideline, although Collum stressed that officials will apply common sense when enforcing the law. Players will not be punished for taking six or seven seconds if there is no deliberate attempt to waste time. However, where officials believe a player is intentionally delaying the restart, possession can be awarded to the opposition.
Another important amendment concerns players who receive treatment on the pitch following a foul. In most cases, that player will now be required to leave the field for one minute before returning to action. The only exception will be when the opponent responsible for the foul is shown either a yellow or red card, allowing the injured player to remain on the field once treatment has been completed.
The changes form part of a wider effort by football’s lawmakers to improve the flow of matches, minimise gamesmanship and ensure that referees have greater scope to correct clear mistakes. With the new SPFL season just around the corner, clubs, players and supporters will soon become familiar with the updated interpretations as they are implemented across Scottish football.
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