The Champions League returns this week with new UEFA rules impacting Arsenal and other clubs
The Referee Istvan Kovacs of Romania warns Mikel Arteta Arsenal FC Head Coach about his conduct with the Argentianian already having been booked during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD4 match between FC Internazionale Milano and Arsenal FC at Stadio San Siro on November 06, 2024 in Milan, Italy.
Mikel Arteta will welcome at least some of the new rules(Image: Jonathan Moscrop/Getty Images)
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UEFA has ensured that Mikel Arteta won't be sweating over bookings during the league phase of the Champions League this season.
The governing body changed the format of the competition for the 2024/25 season, switching from groups to a league phase. While there is no revolution this big for the 2026/27 campaign, a number of rule changes have been implemented.
One of the most important changes concerns the accumulation of yellow cards. Previously, players would be suspended if they were booked three times during the league phase.
Now, a player or team official will only miss the next game if they accumulate four bookings, provided this doesn't result in a red card. Further suspensions follow after every two yellow cards, meaning the sequence runs in even numbers.
UEFA has confirmed the change was necessary due to the expansion to eight games, up from the six played under the old group-stage system. Keeping it at three bookings would increase the risk of suspensions for players, so the governing body raised it to prevent clubs from missing players.
Arteta will welcome this change after losing Declan Rice for the final league phase game against Kairat Almaty last season. The midfielder served a one-game ban after accumulating three bookings throughout the competition.
Martin Zubimendi also risked suspension but avoided a ban before the bookings were wiped ahead of the knockout rounds. Other rules include those introduced at the World Cup for throw-ins and goal kicks.
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Declan Rice.
Declan Rice fell victim to the three-booking rule last season(Image: Neal Simpson/Sportsphoto/Allstar via Getty Images)
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Players are given a five-second countdown by the referee for delayed throw-ins and goal-kicks. Should this expire, the opposing side receives the ball - either for their own throw-in or a corner kick.
During substitutions, those exiting the pitch are given 10 seconds to leave. If they take longer, the player replacing them will have to wait a full 60 seconds before entering the field.
Also, if an outfield player goes down injured and receives treatment, they will have to remain off the pitch for a full minute after play restarts. Certain situations or collisions, as well as goalkeeper injuries, are given an exception, especially if they cause a severe problem for the player.
This new rule is in place to prevent those with minor issues from stopping the game tactically to slow it down or disrupt momentum. The Champions League returns for last year's finalists with a trip to Napoli on Wednesday, and Arteta is likely to welcome these new rules as he aims to take his team one step further this time around.
UEFA's 15 new rules for the 2026/27 Champions League
Mikel Arteta and Arsenal players celebrate after winning the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 Semi Final Second Leg match between Arsenal FC and Atletico de Madrid at Arsenal Stadium on May 5, 2026 in London, England.
Arsenal are hoping to go all the way once more(Image: Nigel French/Sportsphoto/Allstar via Getty Images)
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Players now need four yellow cards for a league-phase suspension
The same fixture cannot have the same home team for three consecutive seasons
Stadium clocks can now show stoppage time
Referees can use a five-second countdown for delayed throw-ins
Goal kicks also have a five-second countdown
Substituted players have 10 seconds to leave the pitch
Injured players will generally have to stay off for one minute
VAR can now review a clearly incorrect second yellow that produces a red card
VAR can correct mistaken identity
UEFA can use VAR to correct certain wrongly awarded corners
Accidental double touches at penalties are now explicitly covered
A 'Denying a Goal or Obvious Goal Scoring Opportunity' (DOGSO) offence followed by a goal after advantage no longer brings a card
The number and position of attackers now matter when assessing DOGSO
Some accessories can now be allowed if they are safe and covered
A match cannot start or continue if a team has fewer than seven players