Each season the rules are tweaked to improve the game of football. Here’s the changes you need to be aware of this time…
This time the biggest change is probably the rule that a goalkeeper holding the ball for more than eight seconds will be punished with a corner for the opposition. This is intended to reduce timewasting, while giving keepers a clear indication of how long they can take, rather than the previous 6-second rule that was rarely penalised.
The second rule is that only captains will be allowed to challenge referees during Premier League matches this season and referees can insist on speaking only to the captain. Yellow cards can be shown to players who approach officials without permission and behave in a disrespectful manner. If the captain is a goalkeeper, a team can provide an outfield player before kick off.
A player will be allowed to retake a penalty if they accidentally touch the ball twice when scoring a penalty, rather than it being disallowed.
An indirect free-kick will be awarded if an off-the-field player, substitute or coach touches the ball before it goes out of play.
A drop ball will be given to a team that did not touch the ball last before play was stopped, so long as the referee believes that team would have gained possession.
Finally, while offsides are judged on the passing player’s first point of contact with the ball, goalkeepers will now only be judged on their last point of contact, including a throw or kick.
We hope that’s all fully clear!
