The new rules that will be implemented in the Premier League this season
Premier League football returns this weekend with a number of rule changes coming into effect for the new season, with time-wasting, injuries and VAR among the areas being targeted.
Some changes will be immediately noticeable to supporters, while others represent more subtle alterations to the way matches are officiated.
One of the most significant changes is the introduction of a five-second countdown aimed at tackling delayed restarts. If a referee believes a player is deliberately taking too long over a throw-in or goal-kick, they can begin a five-second countdown.
If the player fails to restart play before the countdown expires, their team will be penalised. A delayed throw-in will be awarded to the opposition, while taking too long over a goal-kick will result in a corner for the other team.
Substituted players will also be required to leave the pitch more quickly. Once instructed to go off, they will have 10 seconds to do so. If they exceed that limit, their replacement will have to wait until the first stoppage after one minute has passed before entering the game.
There are also changes to the treatment of injured players. When play is stopped for an injury, the player receiving treatment will now have to remain off the pitch for at least one minute after play restarts, doubling the previous 30-second period.
Goalkeeper injuries will be treated differently amid concerns that stoppages can be used as unofficial tactical timeouts.
Under a trial this season, if play is stopped for treatment to a goalkeeper, the manager must nominate an outfield player to leave the pitch. That player will then remain off the field for at least one minute after the restart.
There are exceptions, including when the goalkeeper has been fouled or has collided with an opponent who also requires treatment.
VAR will also have a new power relating to second yellow cards. If a player is shown a second booking and subsequently sent off, VAR can recommend that the caution is overturned if there is clear evidence that the decision was incorrect.
However, VAR will not actively search for second-yellow-card offences missed by the referee. The new intervention only applies when a second yellow has been shown and there is clear evidence that the decision was wrong.
Alongside the rule changes, Premier League officials have been instructed to maintain the relatively high threshold for fouls and VAR intervention.
Not every piece of contact will be deemed a foul, while the referee’s original decision should continue to stand unless VAR determines that a clear and obvious error has been made.
Officials are also hoping improved use of semi-automated offside technology will speed up VAR decisions, while referees have again been instructed to take a firm approach to time-wasting and poor behaviour from players and coaching staff.
The changes are designed to improve the flow of matches, reduce unnecessary delays and ensure VAR is used more effectively as the Premier League enters the new season.
