Preview: Rule changes, economic questions as La Liga season gets underway
The 2022-23 La Liga season kicks off in Spain this weekend with some subtle changes to rules and the uncertainty over the effects of a pre-season break for the World Cup finals will cause.
Referees have been told to clamp down on time wasting and add on extra time if needed and (in theory) they should also alter their interpretation of handball in the penalty area, with only clear infractions given as penalties.
The first three rounds of matches won’t have midday or mid-afternoon games due to the probability of hot weather and the season kicks off just as temperatures appear to be easing after the hottest summer on record in Spain, reports Xinhua.