V.League 2026-2027 will have more new regulations related to the time to perform situations on the field and how to handle players' behavior. These are adjustments that VFF put into the national league system according to the amendments of the 2026-2027 Competition Law.
One of the notable changes is substitutions. The substituted player must leave the field within 10 seconds from the time the referee allows a substitution.
If intentionally prolonging the time, the player still has to leave the field, but the substitute will not be allowed to enter immediately. The substitute can only appear in the next off-field ball after 1 minute from the start of the match.
This regulation aims to limit dead periods, especially in the final stages of the match when teams tend to extend substitution times to preserve results.
The time to perform set pieces is also more tightly controlled. The referee will count down 5 seconds if the player delays the throw-in or kick-off.
After the prescribed time, the winger's right is transferred to the opponent. For the goalkeeper, the hand control time is limited to 8 seconds. If the ball is held longer, the opponent will be awarded a corner kick.
The handling of injured players also changes. People being treated on the field or causing the match to be stopped will have to leave the field and are only allowed to return after at least 1 minute from the start of the match. The referee has the right to allow players to return when the ball is in play if they meet the conditions according to the rules.
Another new point lies in handling inappropriate communication behavior. Players, substitutes or substitutes may receive a red card if they cover their mouths while using offensive, offensive or insulting words to the opponent.
