Howard Webb
(Credit: Imago)
Keith Hackett
Fri 13 June 2025 11:20, UK
Everton are set to be invited to a meeting with Howard Webb in the coming weeks ahead of a major Premier League rule change.
The Toffees are reflecting on a 2024-25 campaign that saw them massively improve upon David Moyes succeeding Sean Dyche.
Moyes is eager to strengthen his Everton side with the addition of numerous new players, with Sheffield United goalkeeper Michael Cooper supposedly among the Merseyside club’s targets.
The aim for Everton next season, in Moyes’ own words, is to challenge for the European spots rather than looking over their shoulders at the relegation zone.
And the Toffees will have to be fully prepared as a new rule is set to come into effect from the start of 2025-26.
David Moyes Everton
Moyes has given Everton hope for next season (Credit: Imago)
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Premier League to introduce eight-second rule for goalkeepers
Jordan Pickford will have to pay particular attention, as goalkeepers will concede a free-kick if they hold onto the ball for more than eight seconds from next season.
The rule change was announced earlier this year following positive trials by the International Football Association Board (IFAB).
Currently, goalkeepers should concede an indirect free-kick if they hold onto the ball for more than six seconds, but it is widely accepted that rule is never implemented.
And Everton will get a run-through of the major rule change, plus other smaller changes, at a meeting between now and the start of next season.
Speaking exclusively to Goodison News, former PGMOL chief Keith Hackett said: “Prior to the start of the season, all managers of Premier League, Championship, League One and League Two clubs attend meetings which are held around the country.
“With the Premier League managers, three dates and different venues are announced. Managers have to select one of the venues and attend.
“Howard Webb will announce the new laws, usually backed with appropriate videos. In addition, he will highlight and discuss points of concern before opening up the discussion.
“I would hope that dissent and surrounding the referee will be covered in addition to the eight second law. It is likely that the Premier League will also discuss the law with regard to only the captain being allowed to communicate with the referee.
“He will highlight that if the goalkeeper is the captain, then an outfield player must be selected
“*In the past, clubs have arranged for a referee accompanied by a referee coach to go into clubs and discuss the new laws. Usually, a short game is then arranged and the new laws applied.*“
Pickford must be clued up on the Premier League rule change (Credit: Imago)
Pickford must be clued up on Premier League rule change
Pickford remains Everton’s undisputed number one, even if he has his critics elsewhere, and this is a rule that will impact him massively.
England all-time most capped goalkeepers
Peter Shilton 125 caps
Jordan Pickford 76 caps
David Seaman 75 caps
Joe Hart 75 caps
Pickford is England’s second-most capped goalkeeper of all time
Referees are clamping down on keepers holding onto the ball, and it is likely a number of infringements will take place early into the season.
It is not as major as the back-pass law, for example, but it is one that will impact games throughout the season.
Pickford must ensure he is not at fault for giving away a needless corner that then results in a goal.
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