The International Football Association Board (IFAB) is implementing changes to increase effective playing time in Premier League football matches. This involves adding more precise amounts of time for specific events like goals and substitutions, rather than relying on traditional approximations. Referees are encouraged to be proactive in restarting the game promptly and addressing time-wasting tactics by players. The aim is to raise the amount of time the ball is in play while reducing unnecessary delays. The new approach was successful at the men’s World Cup and has been introduced in English football, including the Premier League, with an expected increase of around 3 minutes per game. Despite concerns about increased workload, a majority of fans support these changes.
Clampdown on tactical time-wasting
The plan to increase adequate playing time in football includes more robust measures against time-wasting. Deliberate acts aimed at delaying play, wasting time, or gaining a tactical advantage will now result in a booking, even for less obvious actions like kicking the ball away. Goalkeepers delaying goal kicks will also be cautioned earlier. To deter strategic interruptions, players who go down with injuries must leave the field for at least 30 seconds before returning after treatment. This approach aims to minimize disruptions and create a smoother game flow, contributing to a more continuous and engaging match experience.
Teams to be punished for surrounding a referee, poor behavior
A strict Participant Charter is being introduced in football to address the growing issue of poor behavior towards referees. Developed in collaboration with the League Managers Association and Professional Footballers’ Association, the charter aims to eliminate disrespectful conduct towards officials at all levels of the sport. The goal is to establish a culture of respect similar to other sports, where referees are treated with more consideration. The new rules will require players to differentiate between acceptable passion and unacceptable behavior, which has often been overlooked or tolerated in the past. Referees will consistently enforce the rules, and captains will be responsible for managing their teammates’ interactions with officials. Multiple players crowding the referee or invading their personal space will result in cautions and potential further actions by the Football Association (FA). Additionally, touching an official or mimicking a yellow card gesture will lead to automatic yellow cards. The initiative aims to improve the overall experience for both officials and players.
Coaches will have to behave in the technical area
A new technical area code of conduct is being introduced in football to ensure responsible behavior from managers, coaches, and club staff members. Instances of coaches leaving their technical areas to complain about decisions or display emotional outbursts will be addressed through consistent enforcement. The aim is to diminish unacceptable behaviors on the sidelines. The code acknowledges the presence of emotion and passion but emphasizes professional control. Any violations will result in sanctions. Only one coaching staff member can be at the front of the technical area at a time; a second stepping forward to issue instructions will be booked. Stricter measures will be imposed on managers who are sent off, requiring them to leave the field and the post-match activities, similar to players receiving red cards. The initiative seeks to improve the conduct of coaching staff and contribute to a more respectful and controlled environment in football.
More VAR audio presentations
The Premier League introduced a trial in May where audio from VAR interactions and explanations of referee mistakes were shared. The trial was successful and will continue as a monthly show starting in September. The initiative aims to provide viewers with insights into the decision-making process and will feature selected clips that offer interesting perspectives on referee decisions and VAR usage.
No semi-automated offside
FIFA’s semi-automated offside technology was used in the recent men’s and women’s World Cups, and similar systems were adopted by UEFA and Serie A. Although not yet in the Premier League, discussions are ongoing regarding its potential implementation. The goal is to improve efficiency and accuracy in offside decisions. Close collaboration with the Premier League is underway to determine the best technology provider. The focus is on minimizing errors like a situation where an offside goal was allowed last season. To enhance the system, additional cameras have been installed around penalty boxes to eliminate blind spots that could impact decision-making.
Subtle change to red cards for denying a scoring chance
A change in the law for red cards in cases of denying a goal-scoring opportunity inside the penalty area has been introduced this season. The “double jeopardy” exemption, where a player attempting a genuine tackle to win the ball would only receive a booking for conceding a penalty, has been expanded. The exemption now includes “a player challenging an opponent for the ball.” This means that upper-body challenges, such as shoulder-to-shoulder contact resulting in a foul, might not be considered a red card offense inside the penalty area. An example from the previous season involving Joao Cancelo of Manchester City shows how this new interpretation could lead to situations where a red card is replaced with a yellow card. The change aims to address consistency and create clearer guidelines for decision-making in these scenarios.