The 2026/27 Premier League season officially kicks off tonight! As the drama resumes, referees are enforcing key rule changes aimed at speeding up play and cutting down on time-wasting.
What’s New This Season
5-Second Restart Limit: Referees will give a strict 5-second countdown for throw-ins and goal-kicks. Delaying a throw-in gives possession to the other team; delaying a goal-kick gives the opponent a corner!
10-Second Substitution Rule: Substituted players have just 10 seconds to leave the pitch. If they take longer, their replacement can’t enter until 1 minute after play restarts.
1-Minute Injury Wait: Injured players treated on the pitch must now stay off for a full minute (up from 30 seconds) before returning.
VAR for 2nd Yellows: VAR can now intervene if a referee gives a clearly wrong second yellow card that leads to a red card.
Goalkeeper Timeout Trial: If play stops for a goalkeeper injury, the manager must send an outfield player off for 1 minute to prevent fake tactical timeouts.
No Towels Allowed: Players can no longer use towels to dry the ball before long throw-ins.
