What’s New in the Rules for the Upcoming Season 2024-25
As the Premier League kicks off the 2024/25 season, fans and teams will experience several significant changes in how the game is officiated. These updates aim to enhance the flow of the game, streamline procedures, and reduce interruptions. Here’s a comprehensive look at the new rules and adjustments for the upcoming season.
1. Expanded Substitution Warm-Up
A notable change this season is the increase in the number of substitutes allowed to warm up simultaneously on the pitch perimeter. Teams can now have up to five players warming up at once, up from three in the previous season. This adjustment matches the rule permitting five substitutions during a game, allowing teams more flexibility and preparation options.
2. Enhanced Multiball System
The Premier League will continue using the multiball system with an increase to 15 balls in play to expedite the game. When the ball goes out of play and is not quickly retrievable, players must collect a replacement ball from the nearest cone to restart the game.
New this season, ball assistants positioned behind the goals are permitted to return the ball directly to the goalkeeper, speeding up restarts. However, technical area staff and players who intentionally delay the game by holding onto or kicking away the ball will face strict penalties, including potential dismissal and yellow cards.
3. More Accurate Calculation of Added Time
A significant change in how added time is calculated aims to make the game flow more naturally. Match officials will only start adding stoppage time if the delay between a goal and the subsequent kick-off exceeds 30 seconds. This change is expected to reduce the average amount of added time, as there were 3.28 goals scored per match last season, potentially leading to less stoppage time.
4. Semi-Automated Offside Technology (SAOT)
For the first time, the Premier League will implement semi-automated offside technology starting after an international break in September or October. SAOT uses 12 tracking cameras and a chip in the ball to provide more accurate and faster offside decisions. The system will alert the video operations room with automated offside lines and a 3D animation for clarity. Extra VAR officials will be responsible for reviewing these decisions, which will be displayed on stadium screens for viewers.
5. Revised Team News Timing
In a bid to reduce leaks and align with UEFA competition rules, Premier League clubs will now release their team line-ups 75 minutes before kick-off, rather than the previous 60-minute mark. This change means that teams playing at 3pm on Saturdays will announce their line-ups at 1:45pm. This adjustment aims to provide a more standardized approach to team news across different competitions.
6. Law Changes from IFAB
Several changes to the laws of the game, as set by the International Football Association Board (IFAB), will also impact the Premier League:
- Law 12 – Fouls and Misconduct: Clarification that non-deliberate handball offences awarded as penalties will be treated similarly to fouls involving attempts to play or challenge for the ball.
- Law 14 – The Penalty Kick: Clarification that part of the ball must touch or overhang the centre of the penalty mark and encroachment by players will only be penalised if it impacts play.
The Premier League’s 2024/25 season introduces several rule changes designed to enhance gameplay efficiency and reduce interruptions.
From expanded substitution warm-ups and an improved multiball system to the implementation of semi-automated offside technology and revised team news timing, these updates reflect a commitment to refining the football experience.
As the new season begins, these changes will undoubtedly shape how matches are played and officiated, providing a fresh perspective on Premier League football.
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