REVOLUTION IN LA LIGA: COACHES WILL BE ALLOWED TO REQUEST VAR STARTING 2025/26

A groundbreaking decision that could reshape the role of managers — and the future of officiating.

Madrid – July 28, 2025. It’s now official: starting from the 2025/2026 season, La Liga managers will be able to request Video Assistant Referee (VAR) reviews during matches. The announcement was confirmed this morning by the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF), and it’s already stirring strong reactions across the football world.

🎙️ A First in European Football

Inspired by systems used in tennis (Hawk-Eye) and American football (NFL), this marks the first time a major European league introduces a coach-driven VAR challenge system.

“This initiative is about strengthening fairness and giving coaches a formal voice in critical decisions,” stated the RFEF president in the official press release.

📋 Key Details of the New Rule:

Each manager will be granted two VAR requests per match.
If a request is deemed correct (i.e., the referee changes the original decision after review), both challenges remain available.
However, incorrect requests will result in a deduction of one challenge.

The new system will be implemented across all La Liga matches from August 2025, with pre-season trials starting beforehand.

🧠 A Strategic Tool with Risks

This new rule introduces a tactical dimension to match management. Coaches will need to assess controversial situations instantly and decide whether it’s worth risking one of their two challenges. The pressure on coaching staff, especially during high-stakes moments, will undoubtedly increase.

Trials in friendly matches showed that coaches tend to use only one challenge per match, mostly for potential penalty decisions or red cards.

⚽ Mixed Reactions in the Football Community

Initial feedback from managers is divided. While some welcome it as a step toward greater justice, others are concerned it could be exploited or disrupt the flow of the game.

“This adds another layer of responsibility. We might need a dedicated VAR analyst on the bench,” one La Liga coach told us anonymously.

🌍 Could This Spark a Global Shift?

All eyes will now turn to Spain, as other major leagues — including the Premier League and even FIFA — will closely monitor the impact of this reform on match dynamics, referee pressure, and fan perception.

📌 Summary:

Effective from the 2025/26 season.
2 VAR requests per manager, per match.
Requests are only lost if the referee upholds the original decision.
La Liga becomes the first major league to test this model.

This move represents a historic shift in the use of technology in football. Time will tell whether it leads to greater fairness — or new waves of controversy.