A number of new rules have been introduced to football, and the Premier League has adopted them for the 2025-26 season and beyond.
The IFAB (International Football Association Board), which is responsible for the Laws of the Game, has introduced fresh measures as part of a bid to protect match officials, clamp down on disruptive, cynical tactics and speed up the game.
Here, GOAL brings you through the new rules.
Eight-second rule for goalkeepers
If a goalkeeper holds onto the ball for more than eight seconds, they will be penalised and a corner kick will be awarded to the other team.
Interestingly, this rule - aimed at deterring time-wasting - was already in place and actually more stringent, with the time-frame being six seconds and the punishment being an indirect free kick. In reality, however, it was rarely enforced.
It has now been changed to eight seconds, and it will be more judiciously observed, as Martin Dubravka discovered when he became the first goalkeeper to fall foul of the rule in the Premier League, after he clutched the ball for too long in Burnley's opening game against Tottenham.
The rule had been applied in the 2025 Club World Cup too, with Al Hilal shotstopper Yassine Bounou conceding a corner against Real Madrid after holding onto the ball for more than eight seconds.
So how does it work? The referee begins counting the eight seconds and holds their hand up for the final five seconds when the goalkeeper is in control of the ball. So, to be clear, the goalkeeper is deemed to be in clear control of the ball when:
They are holding the ball in their hands or arms.
The ball is held between any surface.
They are holding the ball in an outstretched open hand.
They are bouncing the ball on the ground.
They are throwing the ball into the air.
If a goalkeeper contravenes the rule twice, they will receive a warning, and if they do it three times, they will be shown a yellow card.
'Captains only' rule
The 'captains only' approach has been adopted by the Premier League following a successful trial at Euro 2024 and the 2024-25 UEFA club competitions.
This means that only one player from each team - usually the captain - may approach the referee in certain cases, for example, where an explanation for a decision is sought.
While normal interactions between players and referees will continue, the idea behind the 'captains only' or 'only the captain' rule is to reduce unseemly scenes where a referee is surrounded or ferociously berated by irate groups of players.
Referee Darren England speaks to Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi and Chelsea captain Reece JamesGetty Images
Dropped ball restarts
This is a simpler one. If play is stopped when the ball is inside the penalty area, the ball will be dropped to the goalkeeper in order to restart the game.
If the ball is outside the penalty box when play is stopped, the ball will be dropped to the team that was in possession, or would have gained possession.
Inadvertent interference
If an individual, such as a player or team official, inadvertently touches the ball while leaving the pitch, an indirect free kick will be awarded to the other team, but there is no sanction. However, if the interference is deliberate, then a free kick (or penalty) will be awarded and the offending party will receive a red card.
Double touch penalties
If a player accidentally touches the ball twice in the course of hitting a penalty, as with the example of England international Beth Mead, who slipped while hitting a penalty, the spot-kick will be retaken.
However, if a player deliberately touches the ball twice while taking a penalty, it is a foul, and an indirect free kick will be awarded to the other team.
Assistant referee position for penalties
When a penalty kick is being taken, the assistant referee will remain on the touchline in line with the penalty spot. The Video Assistant Referee (VAR) has sole responsibility for monitoring the goalkeeper's movement for any encroachments during this time.
What are 'Premier League Principles'?
Maintain high threshold for penalising challenges
Maintain high threshold for VAR intervention
More efficient application of VAR intervention
Improve in-game VAR experience and communication
Embed robust approach to participant behaviour
Maintain strong measures to reduce time-wasting and disruption tactics
As well as implementing the aforementioned new rules, Premier League officials will apply what are known are 'Premier League Principles' when presiding over games.
Of particular prominence is the idea of 'maintaining a high threshold' when it comes to penalising challenges and VAR intervention. In effect, this means that the referee is unlikely to blow the whistle for every instance of contact, especially if it is deemed minor. This is consistent with the 'let it flow' approach that has been a feature of the English game for a number of seasons now.
Furthermore, efforts will be made to ensure that the VAR experience, for both players and supporters, is clear and well communicated.
What do you think of the new rules? Let us know your opinions.