The upcoming Premier League season will feature several significant rule changes aimed at improving the flow and fairness of the game, Persecondnews reports.
These changes will impact various aspects of play, from goalkeeper conduct to offside decisions.
According to former Premier League assistant referee Darren Cann, these changes are expected to enhance the overall quality of the game.
1. Goalkeeper Rule Changes
One of the most notable changes is the introduction of an eight-second rule for goalkeepers holding the ball. If a goalkeeper exceeds this time limit, the opposing team will be awarded a corner kick. Referees will provide a five-second warning to help goalkeepers stay within the time limit.
This change is designed to prevent time-wasting and speed up the game. Additionally, goalkeepers will face stricter rules when it comes to approaching the referee during a match.
Only team captains will be allowed to speak to referees, and if a goalkeeper is the captain, they can nominate an outfield player to take on this role.
2. Penalty and Drop Ball Rules
The Premier League has also introduced a new rule regarding penalty kicks. If a penalty-taker accidentally touches the ball twice in one motion and the ball goes in, the penalty will be retaken.
This change aims to provide a fair outcome for accidental mistakes while maintaining the defending team’s rights if the penalty is missed in open play.
Furthermore, the rules surrounding drop balls have been tweaked. If play is stopped and the referee believes a team was about to gain possession, that team will receive the drop ball, even if they weren’t the last to touch it.
3. Offside Decisions and Other Changes
Offside decisions will now be judged differently for goalkeepers, with referees using the last point of contact with the ball to assess offside positions. This subtle change could impact close offside calls during build-up play.
Other changes include the use of semi-automated offside technology, which is expected to reduce the time it takes to make offside calls by 30 seconds on average. The Premier League will also feature a new multiball system, with 15 balls placed on cones around the pitch to speed up the game.
4. Increased Added Time and Technical Area Regulations
The Premier League will also introduce more accurate added time calculations, with referees stopping the clock during game interruptions such as goals, substitutions, and injuries.
Technical area regulations have also been tightened, with only one team official allowed at the edge of the technical area.
These changes aim to improve the flow of the game and reduce stoppages.
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