La Liga is making history with a major officiating change set for the 2025/26 season—coaches will now be allowed to challenge referee decisions using VAR (Video Assistant Referee). According to multiple sports sources, the Spanish top flight will implement a VAR challenge system that gives each head coach two opportunities per match to request a video review of contentious decisions.
Here’s how it works: if a coach challenges a decision and the VAR review results in a reversal, the team retains its remaining challenges. However, if the challenge is unsuccessful, one of the two chances is lost. This system adds a strategic element to matchday management while promoting fairer and more transparent officiating.
The VAR challenge rule is currently being tested in Spain’s third division and the Women’s Football League. If trials go smoothly, it will be officially launched in La Liga for the 2025/26 campaign.
This innovation would make La Liga the first major European football league to adopt a coach-initiated VAR system—potentially setting a new global standard in professional football.
Stay tuned for more updates as La Liga leads the way in transforming how refereeing decisions are handled on the pitch.