La Liga referees, Spain’s refereeing committee and IFAB
Tuesday
Spain’s refereeing committee has decided not to apply the World Cup’s so-called Vinicius law, which allowed a direct red card when players covered their mouths during disputes. Officials judged the gesture too ambiguous to justify automatic dismissals.
La Liga will instead follow UEFA guidance and introduce other anti-time-wasting measures, including countdowns for throw-ins and substitutions. Spanish officials have also asked IFAB for authority to punish teams whose goalkeepers exaggerate injuries to create tactical stoppages.