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The Premier League has confirmed a raft of new regulations and officiating guidelines that will come into effect from the 2026/27 season, introducing significant changes aimed at reducing time-wasting, protecting players and improving the overall flow of matches.
The new measures, developed in collaboration with the International Football Association Board (IFAB) and the Football Association (FA), will also refine the use of the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) and strengthen the authority of match officials in key areas of the game.
One of the major changes requires any outfield player who receives medical treatment on the pitch to remain off the field for at least 60 seconds after play resumes. During that period, the player’s team will continue with 10 men, a move designed to discourage players from exaggerating injuries to disrupt the tempo of matches.
A similar provision has been introduced for goalkeeper treatment. If play is stopped for a goalkeeper to receive medical attention, the team’s head coach must nominate an outfield player to leave the pitch for at least one minute. Where no player is nominated within 10 seconds, the captain will automatically be required to leave the field temporarily.
Match officials have also been instructed to adopt a zero-tolerance approach to holding, pulling and wrestling inside the penalty area during corners and other set-piece situations. Defenders found guilty of impeding attackers through excessive physical contact will now face stricter sanctions, including the award of penalty kicks where appropriate.
To speed up restarts, referees will enforce a strict five-second countdown for throw-ins and goal kicks whenever a player deliberately delays play. Failure to restart within the allotted time will result in an immediate turnover of possession. Delayed throw-ins will be awarded to the opposing team, while failure to take a goal kick promptly will lead to a corner kick for the opposition.
The updated guidelines also introduce clearer punishments for hair-pulling incidents. Players who deliberately pull an opponent’s hair with excessive force or brutality will receive a straight red card, while lesser offences will attract a yellow card.
Goalkeepers will receive greater protection under the revised interpretations of the Laws of the Game. Referees have been instructed to penalise attackers who make unnecessary physical contact with goalkeepers without making a genuine attempt to challenge for the ball, particularly during crosses and set pieces.
VAR’s responsibilities have also been expanded. Officials in the video operation room will now be permitted to intervene where a player is wrongly shown a second yellow card that results in a dismissal. However, VAR will still not have the authority to recommend a second yellow card if the on-field referee failed to penalise the original offence.
The Premier League believes the changes will enhance fairness, improve match tempo and provide greater consistency in officiating as clubs prepare for the start of the 2026/27 campaign.
