The 2025/26 Premier League season began on Friday night as Liverpool FC hosted AFC Bournemouth at Anfield, and fans noticed several major rule changes from the very first whistle.
The International Football Association Board (IFAB) has introduced new laws for the campaign, many of which were trialled at this summer’s FIFA Club World Cup.
Speaking to Gimsport, Pierluigi Collina, legendary former referee and current chairman of FIFA’s referees committee, explained the key amendments.
Goalkeepers: From Six to Eight Seconds
One of the most striking changes concerns goalkeepers. The old six-second rule for holding the ball – rarely enforced – has been updated to an eight-second limit.
Previously, a violation could result in an indirect free kick inside the penalty area, but Collina admitted referees were reluctant to apply it due to the harsh punishment.
“Goalkeepers sometimes held the ball for 20–25 seconds, which is an eternity,” said Collina. “The indirect free kick was too severe. Now, if they exceed eight seconds, the sanction is a corner kick to the opposition.”
At the FIFA Club World Cup, the new law was only enforced twice across 63 matches, but goalkeepers consistently released the ball more quickly, improving match tempo and entertainment.
Captains Only: Cleaning Up Referee Surroundings
Another significant adjustment is aimed at improving respect for officials. Only the team captain will be permitted to approach the referee regarding decisions.
If the captain is a goalkeeper, an outfield player must be designated before kick-off.
“It is not nice to see referees surrounded by five or six players,” said Collina. “Making captains responsible creates cooperation and transparency.”
This system has already been tested at the Olympics and European Championships with positive results.
Other Key Law Changes
- Dropped Balls: If play stops inside the penalty area, the defending goalkeeper receives the ball. Elsewhere, it goes to the team that last touched it.
- Penalty Double Touches: An accidental second touch by the taker means a retake; a deliberate one gives the opposition an indirect free kick.
- Off-Field Interference: If someone outside the pitch touches the ball as it’s going out, play restarts with an indirect free kick.
VAR, Semi-Automated Offside & Transparency
The Premier League will also continue its semi-automated offside technology (SAOT) rollout. Introduced last season, it reduces delays, cutting an average of 27 seconds per offside call.
- Referees will now announce VAR decisions via stadium PA systems (except factual offsides).
- Big screens will show images or clips to confirm overturned decisions and disallowed goals.
- Referees have been instructed to be stricter on holding in the penalty area and simulation (diving).
Collina praised SAOT for boosting assistant referees’ confidence:
“Offside positions larger than 20 cm are now backed by technology, giving referees more certainty while keeping the game flowing.”
With stricter laws, clearer communication, and faster technology, the 2025/26 Premier League season promises a smoother, more entertaining spectacle from the very first whistle.
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