Premier League introduces 6 new rules ahead of 2025/2026 season
1. Crackdown on grappling at set-pieces One of the biggest changes for 2025/26 is a stricter enforcement of holding offences during set-pieces. Following feedback from Premier League captains, referees have been instructed to penalise situations where defenders or attackers impede an opponent’s movement during corner kicks or free-kicks through excessive contact,
The assessment criteria include: sustained or impactful holding, clear effect on the opponent’s chance to play the ball, and actions that ignore the ball entirely. Referee Anthony Taylor during the Premier League match between Nottingham Forest FC and Chelsea. Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt Source: Getty Images If a player focuses solely on their opponent and not the ball, expect the whistle to blow. While mutual holding may still be overlooked, VAR will assist in reviewing incidents and confirming penalty decisions
2. The eight-second rule Another notable change is the eight-second rule for goalkeepers.
Once in control of the ball, keepers now have a maximum of eight seconds to release it. Control is defined as holding the ball between the hands or arms, balancing it on an open palm, and bouncing or tossing it while in possession. Referees will signal the countdown, raising an arm for the final five seconds. If the time is exceeded, the opposition will be awarded a corner kick, taken from the nearest side of the pitch.
3. Captains only rule To reduce crowding and dissent, only the team captain will be permitted to approach the referee for clarification on major decisions. Officials will use visual cues, such as pointing to an imaginary armband, to signal this. Captains are expected to calm their teammates and keep interactions respectful.
4. Double touch at penalties If a player accidentally hits the ball twice during a penalty kick, it will either be retaken (if scored) or result in an indirect free kick (if missed).
Deliberate double touches always result in an indirect free kick.
5. Dropped ball restarts If play stops in the penalty area, the ball is dropped to the goalkeeper. Outside the area, it goes to the team most likely to have had possession.
6. Inadvertent interference Accidental disruptions from substitutes or staff will now restart with an indirect free kick. Deliberate interference may lead to penalties and cards. The Premier League’s latest changes aim to make the game faster, fairer, and less chaotic. With referees under clear instructions and VAR on standby, these tweaks could significantly impact how matches are played and decided this season