VAR, timewasting and subs - new rules for the new season
Summary
New rules will be introduced in English football for the 2026-27 season to reduce timewasting and speed up the game. These rules include time limits on goal-kicks, throw-ins, substitutions, and player injuries, aiming to keep the ball in play longer and reduce added stoppage time.Key Facts
- The new rules were first tested at the 2022 World Cup and will apply in English football from community matches to the Premier League.
- Referees will use a visible countdown of five seconds for goal-kicks and throw-ins, and will penalize teams that delay restarts.
- Goalkeepers taking too long on goal-kicks near the end of games can now concede a corner to the opposing team.
- Substituted players must leave the field within 10 seconds; if not, the replacement player can be delayed for at least one minute, and the team plays with 10 players until then.
- Players who cause stoppages for injury treatment must leave the field for one minute to avoid timewasting, even if they do not request treatment.
- The time the ball is in play increased at the 2022 World Cup from about 57% to over 60% of match time with similar rules.
- The rules focus on changing player behavior rather than harsh punishments, and officials will actively signal countdowns to speed up play.
- Some exceptions exist for players leaving the field due to injury or security reasons.
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