Five new Premier League rules are set to come into operation on Friday when the new season kicks off.
Earlier this week, reports emerged that conversations between VAR officials may be made public to give viewers an insight into why certain decisions have been made. The technology has been controversial since its introduction in 2019, but the move may help provide more clarity, if implemented.
Meanwhile Manchester United, Manchester City and all other top-flight clubs will be impacted by five rule changes, one of which has been widely publicised. The implementation of five substitutes will come into effect – which can only be used on three occasions during a match, at half-time, or when a player cannot continue due to injury.
Here are the four other changes:
Multi-ball system
The Premier League used this method during the lockdown period but it will be re-introduced in a bid to cut down on time wasting. Ten balls will be used in all, positioned at various points around the side of the pitch.
Offside rule alteration
Regarding a player being offside when an opposition defender deliberately plays the ball, rules now say: “Deliberate play is when a player has control of the ball with the possibility of passing the ball to a team-mate, gaining possession of the ball, or clearing the ball.
“If the pass, attempt to gain possession or clearance by the player in control of the ball is inaccurate or unsuccessful, this does not negate the fact that the player deliberately played the ball.”
Postponements
Clubs requesting postponements due to a lack of players will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Regulations now say approval will be granted in only “truly exceptional (cases) and where the club concerned have taken all reasonable steps to avoid the necessity to make the application”.
