New LaLiga rules for 2020/21

Several new rules have been put in place by LaLiga for the 2020/21 season. Below are some of the modifications made by the league for the campaign, which for Valencia CF begins this weekend against Levante UD:

-Derbies will be played with the yellow LaLiga ball, in addition to the last four matchdays of the first and second halves of the season.

-The use of dressing rooms in matches is limited. Their use is prohibited for training sessions, and for matches they will be allowed to be used on a limited basis before and after the game for changing clothing and showering.

- Alternative stadiums outside of the region have been established for each team, for cases in which matches cannot be played at their own stadiums. Valencia CF's alternative stadium will be Carlos Belmonte, Albacete BP’s ground.

-The maximum number of five substitutions per team in a game has been maintained, and the maximum squad number is 23 players.

-The criteria for the postponement of matches and the competitive consequences have been established. In the event of not being able to hold a game as a result of events related to COVID (availability of under 13 players from the first team and reserves, inability to travel due to health prohibitions, closure of facilities in the 48 hours before the game…), the postponement to a new date must be agreed.

-The maximum number of postponements for Primera División clubs will be one match. It will not be possible to postpone matches due to these circumstances from Matchday 30 and once the limit of matches that can be suspended has been exceeded, the team in a position to play the match will be deemed the winner (3-0). If neither team are fit to play, it will be recorded as a defeat for both teams.

-The time for the arrival of the teams to the stadium on matchdays has been reduced from 90 minutes before kickoff to 50.

-The existence of an outbreak within a club will be determined when there is any group of 3 or more cases, active and with simultaneous or close detection in time (up to 72 hours).

-Referees will not consider contact with the ball above the armpit a handball, and for accidental handball that results in a goal it will only be disallowed in the event of it occurring the instant prior to scoring.

-Penalty kicks will not be repeated in the event that the goalkeeper steps forward if he does not touch the ball or does not influence the miss by the taker. It will only be repeated if it influences the taker.

-Light contact in the area will not be whistled, nor should VAR review these incidents.

-The first time that the goalkeeper does not have at least one foot on the goalline when a penalty is taken, he will only be warned verbally by the referee, rather than booked.

-Hydration and refreshment breaks will not be mandatory; they will only occur in games with high temperatures and humidity.