LPFP approves VAR corners and new format for the League Cup from 2026/27

The Portuguese Professional Football League (LPFP) approved the inclusion of corners in the VAR protocol, a proposal presented by Sporting de Braga, which will come into force in the 2026/27 season. This change aims to increase transparency and fairness in arbitration decisions, allowing goal situations and infringements related to corners to be analyzed more rigorously. In addition to the expansion of VAR, the LPFP also defined a new format for the League Cup, which will be implemented in the 2027/28 season.

The tournament will now feature a league phase made up of 26 teams, followed by a play‑off between the top four teams. This reform promises to democratize the competition and ease the burden on clubs participating in European competitions, providing a more balanced structure. Reinaldo Teixeira, director of LPFP, commented on the changes: "The inclusion of corners in VAR and the new structure of the League Cup are important steps towards modernizing our football and ensuring that all teams have a fair opportunity to compete.

" The decision to include corners in the VAR protocol is not just a technical adjustment; it reflects a growing concern about the accuracy of decisions at crucial moments. By allowing referees to review goal situations and infringements near corners, the system reduces the margin of error and, consequently, reduces the controversies that often polarize fans and clubs. Additionally, the change could encourage coaches to adjust their strategies, knowing that even the smallest details of plays will be scrutinized.

The new League Cup format also responds to an economic and sporting need. By increasing the number of teams in the league phase, the LPFP better distributes financial resources among participating clubs, many of which are smaller. This approach contrasts with the previous model, where the competition was dominated by a few teams, limiting access to prizes and visibility for the rest.

The inclusion of corners in VAR puts Portugal at the forefront of European federations that already adopt or test similar systems. The English Federation (Premier League) and the German Bundesliga already analyze corners in specific situations, but neither has implemented a protocol as comprehensive as the one now approved by the LPFP. This decision could pressure other leagues to follow the Portuguese example, especially those that are still reluctant to expand the scope of VAR.

The new format of the League Cup, with 26 teams in the group stage, is close to the English League Cup model, which also uses an extended group stage. However, the Portuguese version differs by including a play-off between the top four, ensuring a more competitive and unpredictable outcome. This structure can increase the interest of fans, who will have more relevant games to follow throughout the competition.

What's next: League elections could be brought forward later this year to align with the centralization of audiovisual rights, which could bring new dynamics and challenges for clubs. With these reforms, Portuguese football is preparing for a fairer and more competitive future. Read at RTP Desporto